On the last day of the camp in Dubai, the players had only some light training in the morning.
Since the players are still recovering from the training match the day before, they started with some jogging and stretching, moved on to some passing, which the staff joined, and finished with mini games. Everyone cheered, as Dr. Shinjo dribbled up, passing the ball under Moreira’s legs and struck a goal.

The team has been in Dubai for 11 days, including the Intercontinental Cup, but it has now come to an end. Nakagawa, the goalkeeping coach, Makino and Haraguchi are going back to Japan. Some players, who have practiced together and played as a united team until now, will leave the team. The rest will surely play hard to get a good result for those who will not be at the Asian Beach Games in Phuket.

Comments

Marcelo MENDES, Head Coach
It was vital to remain in Dubai to continue our training sessions in order to recover and fix the issues after a tough championship, the Intercontinental Cup. Winning the practice match against Al-Ahli the day before let the team regain some confidence, as the opponent had some players from the Portuguese national team. We’ll leave for Phuket tomorrow. I’d like to express my thanks to Nakagawa ‘Piko’, the goalkeeping coach, Makino and Haraguchi, who are going back home. Both Makino and Haraguchi stayed with us in Dubai for the team’s practice, knowing they can’t participate in the Asian Beach Games. I’m very grateful to their contribution to the national team and we’d like to win the championship as a united team, thinking of them.

HARAGUCHI Shotaro (Tokyo Lequios BS)
I had a meaningful time here, playing against the strongest teams in the world in the Intercontinental Cup. I experienced both good and bad. Although I saw the level difference between the best international players and me, I believe I can close the gap if I try hard. I’d like to practice even harder, so that I can show the improvement of Japan beach soccer. I was gutted that I wasn’t selected for the Asian Beach Games squad, but I’d like my teammates to do their best and win the championship. I’m very grateful that the coach let me stay in the camp in Dubai after the Intercontinental Cup.

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