It was not the same as Japan’s 6-1 win over Thailand  in the finals of last Asian Futsal Championship, this year Japanese players faced difficulties to beat Thailand in Ho Chi Minh international Futsal tournament 2013. 

Thailand ( red) is defeated by Japan

As Coach Victor has mentioned before the game: ” The last game was 17 months ago, and we will show our bests in this time”. From the beginning of game, Thailand seemed confident to face with the opponents who had beat heavily them in the past. Besides that, Thailand was the openers of dangerous situations toward others’goal.

Though Japan gradually controlled the game, Thailand still created many easy chances such as Suphawut’s shoot from a long distance which caused Japanese goalkeeper to jump highly to prevent it. Then, Jetsada took the ball from a smooth cooperation to thunder the bar.

Entering the second game, Japan control ball much more than Thailand, however no goal was scored. The confrontation was getting exciting when Japan opened in 31th minute. Minamoto was manage to hold the ball cleverly and opened for Japan. From this goal. Japanese players played more openly and raise the score to 2-0 from Nagai’s goal.

Receiving two consecutive goals against, Thailand raised its line up highly, however, Inaba in 36th minute, faced with Thai goalkeeper to score one more goal. Thailand decided to play with its total 5 players on the pitch which created exciting situtation. Audience at Phu Tho gymnasium cheered up for both. However Thailand failed to find a goal, and they had to accept being defeated 0-3.

Truc Phuong

Coach of Japan’s Futsal team- mr Miguel Rodrigo has expressed in interview that his men would play one for one against Brazil in Ho Chi Minh City international Futsal tournament 2013. This will be the confrontation between two much stronger than others, therefore it is hoped to be an exciting game.

Japan squad includes 3 first international players of Asia who has joined in futsal world cup 2012: Fujiwara Jun, Inaba Kotaro and Osodo Bobuya. Besides that, most of players had attended Grand Prix Cup 2013 in Brazil. Japan line-up is divided into 2 teams: one played for Indoor Games 2013 in Korea and one played for Grand Prix Cup.

Mentioning Viet Nam futsal team, Japan’s coach said: ” I know Sergio (Viet Nam team’s Coach) therefore I understand Vietnam team. Moreover when talking to President Tran Anh Tu I also know you well.”

Meanwhile , Thailand Futsal team includes both old and new ones. Among them 5 players are the second runners of AF Cup 2012 after losing against Japan.

Thai players at Tan Son Nhat airport

happy to visit Viet nam

Coach Hermans Victor

Spokesperson of Viet Nam team, Coach assistant Nguyen Duc Duy said that Viet Nam will make use of this chance to learn experiences, fighting skills as well as spirit. 

In the afternoon of November 19th, at 16h30, Thailand team will play with Japan at Phu Tho gymnasium. At 18h30 in the same day Brazil team will come Vietnam.

Truc Phuong

Coach Herman keeps showing his smiles after landing at Tan Son Nhat airport. He thinks this tournament is chance for his men to learn from strong opponents such as Japan and Brazil. 

Coach Herman Victor receive flowers at the airport

-Why did you join in Ho Chi Minh City international Futsal tournament 2013?

+ I’m very happy when receive an invitation to a good tournament in Viet Nam, this is not an opportunity for Thailand to face with the first strong opponents in Asia as Japan or international class as Brazil. Our goal in this tournament is to trying youngsters and It’s certain that we will learn alot from two tough opponents Japan and Brazil.

– Is Your squad also the main frame for  SEA Games 27?

+It’s not totally like that, before coming to Viet Nam, we have had a certain choice. As I had mentioned, Thailand will have youngsters in line -up besides pillars. However It’s certain that Thai players won’t disappoint  Viet Nam fans. It’s necessary for us to experience than to set a goal for this tournament.

Coach Hermans Victor ( left) in the meeting

– Is this also a chance for Thailand to defeat the one who had beaten you in AFC Futsal championship?

+ We shouldn’t recall the pass, Japan’s Futsal is still the strong one in region. However we won’t let them defeat, in the pass it happened nevertheless after 90 minutes the official answer will come out.

– What do you think about Viet Nam’s futsal in recent year?.

+Actually you have a good development of Futsal. Years ago, when I hadn’t  come Thailand yet I heard that Viet Nam is always defeated heavily. Nevertheless, It’s really difficult for Thailand to win over Viet Nam now. Following your professional training system, the Thailand’s strongest opponent will soon be Viet Nam.

Dinh Vien

In the evening of November 18th, the team managers meeting of the Ho Chi Minh City international Futsal tournament 2013 was hold at Grand Hotel 

Team managers meeting

Brazil team is landing at Tan Son Nhat one day later than Thai Land and Japan, therefore  the team managers meeting takes place with 3 representatives: Viet Nam, Thailand, Japan. HFF President- Tran Anh Tu expresses his sincere welcoming to guests teams. He also confirms that this is a good chance for Viet Nam’s Futsal to exchange and experience from others team from developed Futsal countries.

Mr Tran Anh Tu- HFF president ( center) giving speech

Before discussing of schedule for games as well as training at Ho Chi Minh City, Mr Tran Anh Tu shares his opinion: “ Receiving supports from People Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam Football Federation, Culture and Sports department of Ho Chi Minh City and other organizations, Ho Chi Minh Football Federation cooperates with Worldline company to organize Ho Chi Minh City international Futsal tournament 2013.” 

” HFF is very pleased to welcome 3 first teams of Futsal in the world. This is not only a chance for Viet Nam players to experience before SEA Games 27 at Myanmar but also a good occasion for all attendants to make friends and exchange friendly relationships among 4 Football Culture: Viet Nam, Thailand, Japan and Brazil”. 

Dinh Vien

At 13h30 of November 18th, all 20 members of Thai Futsal team have arrived Tan Son Nhat airport. Among them there are 14 players, 4 ones from coaching board and 2 doctors. 

Thai players at Tan Son Nhat airport

According to organizers of International Futsal tournament 2013, Thai land players will stay at Grand hotel located at No.8 Dong Khoi street, district 1- Ho Chi Minh City. Coach Herman Victor and his men will have a training day from 10 am to 11:30 am on November 19th at Phu Tho gymnasiums. Thus, as schedule Thai Land will face Japan at 16h30 tomorrow ( November 19th) and facing Brazil at 15h30 on November 20th, facing hosts Viet Nam at 18h00 on 21st November.

Some images of Thai Land team at Tan Son Nhat airport: 

Thai players have arrived at 1h30

Organizer giving Coach Her man Victor flowers

Thai players are happy to visit Viet Nam

All are comfortable in Viet Nam

HFF