Japan Futsal National Team, which will participate in the AFC Futsal Championship, held the second training session in Uzbekistan. It had been three days since they arrived and against expectations the weather had been warm during the daytime. In the morning, the players spent time separately going for a walk or doing some running to get themselves ready for the afternoon training session.

The training session started at 16:00 local time (20:00 Japan Time). The players started with some warm-ups, which was also meant to be recreational, followed by repeated training of shifting from 3-on-2 to 2-on-1 in attack for 20 minutes, while local people watched them with some curiosity. Then they moved onto practicing combinations between players in the style of a real game, thinking of avoiding the opponent’s pressure in various situations. The coach Miguel RODRIGO explained the tactics in detail to the players, and occasionally checked on the set pieces.

With only a few days before the championship, the banner of the tournament was placed at the front desk of the hotel and the atmosphere was warming up. Japan Futsal National Team will continue to prepare themselves for the opening game of the championship.

Players' Comments

FUJIWARA Jun (BARDRAL URAYASU)
As it has been three days since our arrival in Uzbekistan, I’m getting used to the time difference and the local food. Although we only held one training session in the afternoon, I believe we had a productive and high-quality practice as a team. I’d like to get myself in good condition both physically and mentally in the remaining few days before the championship.

OSODO Nobuya (SHRIKER OSAKA)
The second training in Uzbekistan was tougher than the one yesterday. Having said that, all of us stayed focused. During the limited time before the AFC Futsal Championship, I’d like to prepare ourselves, communicating well just like we did today.

SAKAI Rafael Yoshio (NAGOYA OCEANS)
I think we’re getting ourselves in good condition prior to the AFC Futsal Championship. In the second training session in this country, we practiced 3-on-2 and 2-on-1. We also repeatedly checked set pieces and how to avoid the opponent’s pressure in practice games. To achieve our team’s biggest aim, I’d like to do my best everyday.

Schedule

*Local Time
*The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.
*Top five team will earn FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016™ (2016/9/10-10/1) berth

AFC Futsal Championship Uzbekistan 2016 [Wed. 10 February - Sun. 21 February 2016]

Group Stage 1st Match
Thu. 11 February　Kick Off at 16:30 (20:30 Japan Time)
vs  Qatar Futsal National Team
LIVE: Thu. 11 February 20:20- NHK-BS1
Prerecorded: Fri. 12 February 21:00- CS TV Asahi Ch2

More information