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