Japan hungry for Asian crown

The Nippon want to get back at the top of continental Beach Soccer but coach Mendes alerts: “It is not a one-enemy-only thing. We need to be focused”

Despite the Nippon are a heavy favourite to win the event in Doha their head coach, Marcelo Mendes, warned that “There are so many strong teams and improving squads on the entire continent that this could be anyone’s tournament.” The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Portugal 2015 – AFC Qualifier Qatar is only a few short days away and March 23^rd-28^th and the play therein will be of the utmost importance for all of the participating teams. There are three spots available for the upcoming FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Portugal 2015 and everyone else will be left to play at home while the beach soccer world shifts to Portugal. 

Getting back to the peak of the mountain that is Asian beach soccer will not be easy, despite the fact that the Japanese are almost always at the top of the pecking order. Since 2006, Japan has finished in first or second in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup – AFC Qualifier. In 2009 and 2011, they were champions but things changed in 2013 when Iran dethroned the Blue Samurais. The Japanese coach, who has been in his current role for almost a year after a long spell in the UEA, knows what is the most important thing for his squad, saying, “Yes we want to defeat Iran but we also need to prioritize, we cannot relax and focus on only one opponent.” That much is true with all growing talent in the area.

Japan has not rested on their laurels as they have already had a busy year, with training camps, friendlies, and tours all over the world. Everyone within the team is confident that all this hard work will pay-off. In fact, Marcelo Mendes added, “I honestly believe we are one of the favourites and our extensive training and practices have put us in the position to win and they show how dedicated we are to winning. But, I know that it is going to be really tough, and we will face some truly powerful opponents who also have significant chances to win.” The Japanese are currently in Dubai, training and adjusting to the time difference, while looking forward to the tournament. They will play one final exhibition match against Azerbaijan before the ball drops in Doha on Monday the 23^rd.