16 teams sorted into four groups took part in a 3 day competition from September 12th-14th to determine Japan’s best club
The four group winners were Sol Mar Praia Okinawa, Avante Ozaka, Tokyo Lequios, and Leon Fukuoka Beach Soccer and they all battled in the semi-finals for a chance to play in the final. The first semi-final match was between Avante Ozaka and Sol Mar Praia Okinawa in which Okinawa won 5-3. Sol Mar and their experience proved to be the difference as four players from the National Selection, Toma, Tomoya, Shingo GK, and Asami, helped them finish on top. In the second semi-final match, Tokyo Lequios dismantled Leon Fukuoka by a score of 8-2. Tokyo took control of the game early and never let go. Seven players from Japan’s National Team don the Lequios jersey, Tabata, Tomoya GK, Shotaro, Goto, Oda, Komaki, and National Team captain Ozu Moreira. After building a big lead, Lequios rested some of their players to use in the all-important final and although Fukuoka had chances to get back into the match with penalty and free kicks, they were unable to capitalize.
The captivating final was a nail-biter that Tokyo Lequios won 2-1 over Sol Mar Praia Okinawa. Lequios came into the match as the favourite but as the score indicates, it was not easy and maybe the term favourite should not have been bestowed upon them so soon. Sol Mar scored the first goal to put the team from Tokyo on their heels, but the steady power of Ozu and Shingo quickly put Lequios back on top. The final period was extremely intense as both teams had the opportunity to score and tie the match or blow it open, but in the end, defense prevailed and Tokyo earned their 6th National honour.
This tournament is further evidence of the growth of the sport and the evolution of beach soccer everywhere as the gap between the good teams and great teams is dwindling. The continued success of Japanese beach soccer relies on tournaments like this as well as the clinics and coaching seminars that have been arranged by the National Team coach, Marcelo Mendes, continuing the job performed by Ruy Ramos in the last years.
Pic by J.League (JFA)
