The two nations were winners on day one of the Thailand 5s Beach Soccer Tournament.
Hosts Thailand and Japan made winning starts to the Thailand 5s Beach Soccer Tournament as the competition got under way in Bangkok on Monday.
Held in the Hua Mak Sports Complex in the suburb of Bang Kapi, the event sees the aforementioned nations battle it out with Asian rivals Malaysia as well as Hungary over the course of three days in the capital.
While also representing a chance of silverware and ranking points, for the Asian sides the tournament it is also an opportunity to get in extra match practice ahead of the AFC Beach Soccer Championship in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, early next month.
That competition will not only see the Asian champions crowned for 2017, it will also decide which nations from the continent will head to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in the Bahamas.
Japan – runners-up in the AFC Beach Soccer Championship last time out – appear in strong shape to challenge again after a 5-3 win over Hungary on Monday.
Goalkeeper Shingo Terukina made his 100th appearance for Japan in the victory before hosts Thailand also collected early points thanks to a 7-5 success against Malaysia.
Tuesday sees Malaysia and Japan meet while Thailand and Hungary contest the second game of the day they meet later in the day.
Results, fixtures and standings for the Thailand 5s Beach Soccer Tournament are available here at www.beachsoccer.com.
