Japan played host to England this weekend playing two international friendlies over two days
This weekend, the England Beach Soccer National Team journeyed to Japan to test themselves against Ruy Ramos’ side.
It was a long way for England to travel to suffer two defeats at the hands of their hosts, Japan. But Harry Bowes’ men offered some impressive performances in two tight games, losing both by just a single goal.
Saturday’s match, saw a relatively low-scoring beach soccer bout, as it took until the second period for the scoring to be opened. When it was in a quick burst of activity, each side found the net in the same minute, as Aaron Clarke and Suzuki both scored to keep the tie level.
It wasn’t until deep into the final period that Goto, top scorer in June’s Mundialito Almada, snatched a winner to disappoint his guests. Final score: 2-1.
Sunday would hold a similar fate for the visiting English, but – thankfully for the spectators – with more goals.
Today’s game followed an almost identical rhythm as the tie the day before, consisting of stalemate and a late Japanese winner. Clarke got his second in two days to open the scoring early in the first period, only to see it cancelled out by Ozu before the first whistle blew.
Clarke then scored again, only once more to see his side’s lead nullified by Okuyama. The second period finished at 2-2, and the third saw England take the lead yet again, this time through Scott Lawson.
But sure enough, the Japanese found a response, but with more than just an equalisier and, agonisingly for the English, Japan found themselves leading for the first time in the game as the final whistle blew, with the score at 4-3.
Six hard-earned points for Ruy Ramos’ men and some strong performances by England, mean that we look forward to seeing more from these sides in the coming months.
