The PUMA CUP 2015, also known as the 20th All Japan Futsal Championship that started on Friday 6 March, enters its final round phase with the knockout system on Friday 13 March as all qualified teams gather to play at Yoyogi 1st Gymnasium in Tokyo. The total of eight teams consisting of six teams who passed through the first round and two teams from the F.League play-off, winners Nagoya Oceans and runners-up Shriker Osaka. All the contests competed between eight F.League teams are something to watch out for.

The first quarter-final match is played between Fuchu Athletic FC and Pescadola Machida both from Tokyo. Their "Tokyo Derby" matchups in the F.League have been Machida's 11 wins, six losses and two ties. Although Machida have recorded more wins against Fuchu, they haven't found their way in this particular tournament as captain Ohchi Satoru says, "we haven’t cleared our issues both in defence and offence." The opposing Fuchu showed solid defence with only three goals against in the three first round matches. Considering only last season, Fuchu have an equal record to Machida with one win, one loss and one draw, so they certainly come out for the match with confidence.

In the second match, Fugador Sumida and Bardral Urayasu both from Kanto region meet each other. Sumida, who joined the F.League from last season, challenge two-time PUMA CUP champions Urayasu. Urayasu have a better record with 2-1 against Sumida in the F.League. As Kato Ryuma says "we can win against any opponents if we can defend aggressively from the front," they have become more confident through first round matches. It's interesting to see how their fourth matchup turns out.

"Kansai Derby" between Deucao Kobe and Shriker Osaka battled close in the past with Kobe’s 10 wins, nine losses and six ties. The upcoming match is expected to be heated again. The offensive end is the key for both teams. While Kobe's head coach Ogawa Ryo is confident, saying "we have a good momentum and our individual skills are at the top of the F.League," Osaka have Vinicius, who tallied second-ranked 28 goals in last F.League season. Their performances in front of goals are a must-see.

After showcasing their hard-running, quick transitions between offence and defence and intensity on the ball, Vasagey Oita face defending champions Nagoya Oceans. Oita aim to upset Nagoya, taking advantage of their offensive power which scored 25 goals, the most in the first round. Despite a losing record of 5-20 against Nagoya in the past, the Ito Masanori side try to play with everything they have. “This tournament is the last to play with this squad. I told them to ‘Battle it out all the six matches (until the final)’,” says the boss.

The tournament finally gets into the final round with the knockout system. There is newly-installed seating behind goals (Category 2 / Non-reserved seat) from this year. You can enjoy watching players’ performances up close. So please come out and watch the matches.

PUMA CUP 2015 The 20th All Japan Futsal Championship

Fri. 6 March - Sun. 15 March 2015
1st Round：Shizuoka/Ecopa Arena、Osaka/Maishima Arena、Hyogo/Kobe Central Gymnasium
Final Round：Tokyo/Japan Yoyogi first National Gymnasium

Live distribution of quarter-finals, semi-finals, final on JFA-TV(subject to change)

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