Courtesy: The AFC.com


Japan down Ukraine in futsal friendly

5 May 2008

TOKYO: Japan received a big boost ahead of the AFC Futsal Championship when they defeated European powerhouse Ukraine 2-1 in their second friendly game on Sunday.

Sergio Sapo’s charges fell behind at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium when Yevgen Yunakov opened the account in the sixth minute but Yuki Kanayama equalised eight minutes later and Takeshi Kishimoto netted the match-winner in the 37th minute.

Ukraine, who have already qualified for the FIFA Futsal World Cup, had won the first game 3-0 in Hyogo three days ago.

“We played better today but we need to improve physically as well as tactically. This victory was very important for me and my players because this was the last match before we travel to Thailand for the AFC Futsal Championship. This will definitely boost our confidence,” said Brazilian Sapo.

Kanayama was happy with the result saying, “We need to concentrate on the AFC tournament since all teams are not easy. At first we aim to qualify for the quarter-finals and then we will try to qualify for the World Cup.’’

Japan, who lost to Iran in the 2007 final, have been slotted in Group B with Australia, Turkmenistan and Chinese Taipei. They will begin their campaign against Chinese Taipei on May 11.

Top four teams from the May 11-18 event will represent Asia in the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil later this year.




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