Courtesy: The AFC.com

Japan suffer defeats in preparatory friendlies

26 March 2007

RIO DE JANEIRO: Asian futsal champions Japan played three preparatory friendlies against a Rio De Janeiro selection team recently, drawing one game and losing the other two.

Under Brazilian coach Sapo, Japan are preparing to defend their Asian title which they won last year after beating hosts Uzbekistan.

Asian Futsal Player of the Year Kenichiro Kogure helped Sapo’s charges share the honours 1-1 in the opening game with his late equaliser at the Terezopolis Gymnasium but could not prevent his side from slipping to a 4-3 defeat in the second game despite scoring twice.

Japan suffered a humiliating 7-0 thrashing in the last game.


The matches were important preparation for Japan as they are not only the defending champions but also the hosts for this edition of the AFC Futsal Championship which will be played in Osaka and Amagasaki from May 13.


The Japanese will play another friendly at home before the tournament proper.




Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com