Courtesy: The AFC.com

Japan lose to Argentina in futsal friendly

4 May 2007

KOBE: Asian futsal champions Japan lost to Argentina 4-2 on Thursday in their first friendly preparatory match for the upcoming AFC Futsal Championship at the World Memorial Hall here.

Jose Luis Costas opened the scoring for Argentina with just four minutes on the clock but the hosts equalised four minutes later through Yuki Kanayama.

Though the Japanese managed to walk out for the break tied 1-1 they conceded two quick goals in the 35th and 37th minutes by Christian Alejandro Daguer and Edgard Martin Amas.

A minute later, Japan closed the gap with Rikarudo Higa’s goal but Matias Raul Lucuix sealed the win for the South Americans.

After the match, Japan coach Sapo said: “I think we played wonderful futsal. My object was to watch all my players (play) and I am satisfied. I am also happy with my players’ performance though we lost.’’

The second match will be played on Saturday at the Osaka Municipal Central Gymnasium.

Japan are in Group A with Tajikistan, Hong Kong and Philippines in the AFC Futsal Championship which will kick off on May 13 in Osaka and Amagasaki.




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