Asian Foootball Confederation Futsal Player of the Year Kenichiro Kogure was on the mark as Asian futsal champion Japan took revenge by beating Argentina 1-0 in the last of their two-match friendly series at the Osaka Municipal Central Gymnasium. After a scoreless first half, Kogure, who plays for Spainish club Clipeus Nazareno, hit the only goal of the game from the left side in the 35th minute. Two days earlier, the Asian champions, who are also hosting this edition of the AFC Futsal Championship (13-19 May), had lost to the same rivals 4-2 in Kobe.
Japan’s Brazilian coach Sapo said after the match: “Our performance was very good today compared to the first match and we won. It was a good match.” This was the last preparatory friendly for Sapo’s squad which kicks off its title defence on 13 May against the Philippines in Group A which also comprises Hong Kong and Tajikistan.
Japan’s Brazilian coach Sapo said after the match: “Our performance was very good today compared to the first match and we won. It was a good match.” This was the last preparatory friendly for Sapo’s squad which kicks off its title defence on 13 May against the Philippines in Group A which also comprises Hong Kong and Tajikistan.