Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Espinho: Japan qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2015 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup on Monday as a memorable display helped them secure a 4-3 win over Senegal.
Japan, who finished second in Group A behind Portugal, knew going into the game that a win would guarantee their progress, and they duly joined the host nation in the knockout phase courtesy of a victory that sets up Thursday’s last eight clash with Italy.
Match Report: Portugal 4-2 Japan
Match Report: Japan 4-3 Argentina
On a day of high drama, Japan were quick out of the blocks at the Espinho Stadium, Takasuke Goto opening the scoring for Asia’s two-time champions after only 37 seconds with his third goal of the tournament.
World Cup veteran Teruki Tabata doubled his side’s advantage in the 10th minute, before strikes from Naoya Matsuo and Takuya Akaguma sent Japan into the third period with a healthy 4-0 lead.
Senegal were, however, not about to exit the tournament lying down and late goals from Gorgui Faye, Papa Modou Ndoye and Babacar Fall ensured a nervy end for the Japanese.
Marcelo Mendes’s side were not to be denied though and they held firm to book their fifth World Cup quarter-final appearance.
Photo: FIFA / Getty Images