The semi-finals and the final of the 10th Japan Beach Soccer Championship were held on Sunday 13 September. The participants played the games while their fatigue was at a peak on the last day of the championship. They answered the encouragement from friends, families, and fans, who came to support them, with their performances.

Sol Mar Praia Okinawa (Kyushu 2/Okinawa) and Tokyo Lequios BS (Kanto 1/Tokyo), both of whom have played for the title many times in the past, met in the semi-final in this championship. Sol Mar Praia attacked first. After two minutes, the goalkeeper TERUKINA Shingo struck the opener.

Lequios started to attack back. In the 5th minute, the captain TABATA Teruki surprised everyone with a shot from a free kick, levelling the game 1-1. In the second period, the game moved in the same way – Sol Mar Praia initiated an attack first, and then Lequios attacked back - playing a seesaw game.

Neither of the teams gave up in the final period, and the match went into overtime. As they could not decide the game during overtime, it went to penalties. In the end, Lequios won the match on penalties, and were through to the final.

In the other semi-final, Dorsole Kitakyusyu (Kyushu 3/Fukuoka) played against Pracia Yamaguchi (Chugoku /Yamaguchi). After 4th minutes, OBA Takaaki from Dorsole took a shot from a dribbling move, striking the opener.

Even though the match was once levelled, AKAGUMA Takuya scored directly from the kick-off shortly after that. Then MIYAMOTO Hikaru added some insurance, building a two-goal lead. Although Pracia Yamaguchi held on after the second period, never givinging up, Dorsole won the game 5-4 and booked a place in the final for the first time.

In the final, Tokyo Lequios BS, who aimed to become champions for the third consecutive time, met Dorsole Kitakyusyu, who had been building up positive momentum through winning close matches. At the beginning of the game, Dorsole Kitakyusyu picked up their pace in their first ever final.

Miyamoto struck the opener in the 3rd minute, and then Akaguma scored another goal through a set piece in the 10th minute. Dorsole did not stop attacking in the second period, adding more insurance from Akaguma’s shot. The score became 3-0.

However, Lequios with many experienced players never gave up. The team closed the gap to one goal with shots from GOTO Takasuke and Tabata.

The game went into the final period at 4-3. After 27 minutes, Goto struck a goal, levelling the game. As none of the teams was able to decide the match before the final whistle, the game went into overtime, for the second time that day for Lequios.

Although both teams stayed enthusiastic for the title, it was Dorsole, who finally decided the game in the 39th minute. Oba scored a winning goal, leading his team to the championship for the first time.

The “two big teams” – Lequios with six titles and Sol Mar Praia with two titles – have up until now shared the trophy of the Japan Beach Soccer Championship. However, in this anniversary championship, Dorsole won the championship for the first time.

The many close games seen from the first round showed improvement in the level of the championship. There were will be increased expectation for next year's tournament next year.

Players' Comments

MATSUO Naoya (Pracia Yamaguchi)
We conceded a goal at the beginning of the game, even though we discussed about the importance of the initial period of the match. We had to play catch-up all the time, and didn’t have enough energy to turn the game around.

Although coming in third does not make me happy at all, if we go back to being champions next year, everything will turn into a good experience. It’s all up to us. So I’ll practice hard everyday until that day comes true.

KAWAHARAZUKA Takeshi (Sol Mar Praia Okinawa)
I focused on practicing with spirit, since we haven’t won the championship for two years. Many of my teammates shed tears after the match, which made us stronger for the future. The opponent has good kickers of the ball, and I didn’t want the match to go to penalties.

As we did have goal-scoring opportunities during overtime, we should have scored then. Young players have improved themselves. I hope we will be a stronger team next year.

AKAGUMA Takuya (Dorsole Kitakyusyu)
I’m over the moon, as I have aimed to claim the title for four years. We achieved our goal by playing with a united spirit among our teammates and all the people who have supported us. I believe scoring goals contributes to the team most.

I was really happy that I could contribute to the team. After being beaten by Lequios last year, I played for the national team, and learnt many things. I think I could show some of what I learned there today.

MIYAMOTO Hikaru (Dorsole Kitakyusyu)
Although it was a really tough match, we managed to get a good result by playing as a united team. We’ve been practicing well for a year, thinking of playing against Lequios. Our tactics worked better than we expected, and we played as well as we wanted to. It was quite emotional to win the championship for the first time, because we have always aimed for that.

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

The 10th Japan Beach Soccer Championship

Fri. 11 September - Sun. 13 September
Hyogo/Akashi Okura Beach
Match information