STORE 
MY BEACH SOCCER 
Marcelo Mendes’ men win the Thailand 5s Beach Soccer Championship.
Japan were crowned Thailand 5s Beach Soccer Championship winners in Bangkok on Thursday after seeing off Hungary 6-3 in the final at the Hua Mak Sports Complex.
Marcelo Mendes’ side finished the group stage top with maximum points from their three outings and it would be up to the Europeans to try and halt Japan’s march to the title.
Having fallen two goals behind, Hungary battled back level thanks to a brace from Richard Patocs.
However, from there, Japan came to life and were rarely troubled from then on as captain and tournament top goalscorer registered twice, alongside further third-period goals from Masayiki Komaki and Shotari Haraguchi.
Japan will now look ahead to the AFC Beach Soccer Championship in Kuala Terengganu next month, where they could meet Malaysia and Thailand – who contested the third-place play-off.
Malaysia ended the group stage with three defeats, having lost to Thailand on the first day.
However, after the sides ended normal time at 5-5, Manus Madtoha was the unfortunate party to miss from the spot as Malaysia condemned their hosts to bottom spot, and gained a measure of revenge, with a 3-2 victories on penalties.
Thursday results
Thailand (2) 5-5 (3) Malaysia (Play-off for third place)
Japan 6-3 Hungary (Final)
Overall standings
1st: Japan
2nd: Hungary
3rd: Malaysia
4th: Thailand
Top Scorer: Ozu Moreira (Japan) (10 goals)
