Japan Futsal National Team left Narita International Airport on 25 November, transiting at Vienna International Airport in Austria, and arrived at Zagreb Airport the same evening. The players started training sessions the following day, on 26 November, in preparation for the international friendlies.

They held one-hour-and-a half training sessions both in the morning and the afternoon, focusing on recovering from the 13 hours of travel and the jet lag. The local temperature was less than 10 degrees during the daytime and around three at night. The players took care of themselves against the cold and dry air to prepare themselves for the coming matches.

The coach Miguel encouraged the team prior to the morning session: "The Europe tour has finally started. We’ll play two friendlies against Croatia in preparation for the coming AFC Futsal Championship next February. As we met them last year, they are a very good team, and use their physical strength. Let’s prepare ourselves well as a team, so that we can play well in the first game."

Players' Comments

KATO Ryuma (BARDRAL URAYASU)
Although we focused on recovery today due to the time difference, we did check on set pieces. I’d like to get myself into a good physical condition before the first match against Croatia, and look for a good result. During this tour, I’d like to communicate well in preparation for the AFC Futsal Championship.

SHIMIZU Kazuya (FUGADOR SUMIDA)
I could concentrate during the practice sessions despite the jet lag. Although we only did light exercises today, it was good training before playing consecutive games. I’d like to prepare well to meet the opponent!

WATANABE Tomoaki (DALIAN YUANCHAO/China)
We started our practice session after a long trip to Croatia. Today we focused on recovery exercises, refreshing our tired bodies. I think we had good sessions and communicated well with each other. I’d like to get myself into good shape for the first match against Croatia on 29 November, looking for a victory as a team.

Schedule

*Local time
*The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, etc.