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| AFC Futsal Championship |
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| Sapo calls for greater focus |
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| Japan futsal coach Sergio Sapo |
BANGKOK - Japan coach Sergio Sapo was a happy man after seeing his side demolish Chinese Taipei 8-2 in their opening Group B game at the AFC Futsal Championships.
Yuki Kanayama and Kenichiro Kogure both scored twice as Japan lived up to their tag as one of the pre-tournament favourites with an impressive performance at Nimibutr Stadium that saw them create a host of chances and produce some slick inter-play.
Chinese Taipei did briefly threaten an upset when they drew level as Chang Fu-hsiang took advantage of an error of judgement by Hisao Sadanaga to round the Japan keeper and score into an empty net.
But the result was never really in doubt once Sapo's side had gone ahead for a second time, much to the Brazilian's delight.
"It was a wonderful win for us," he said.
"It's always difficult when you play the first game. Even though the players are experienced or whatever, it's very difficult. It could have gone more smoothly but yeah, it's a wonderful win."
Of slight concern were the manner in which Japan conceded their two goals as they seemed to switch off momentarily and allow Chinese Taipei to take advantage.
And Sapo called for greater focus from his side as the tournament progresses. "They were easy mistakes and should not have happened," he added. "We won big but they were easy mistakes. I said at half-time it's just concentration. Just concentrate on the game and it's never going to happen.
"We are 100% ready physically and mentally at the moment for the tournament."
Chinese Taipei coach Chen Kuel-jen could be forgiven for being a touch downcast after the result but instead felt his side can still enjoy some degree of success over the next two days. "Our attacking play was good," he said.
"Our defence is usually our best aspect but against other teams, we will do better if we can use our speed to score. I think that is the best way for us.
"Sometimes we're making mistakes, we miss the ball. They are our mistakes so maybe we will do better if we can cut them out and then score."
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