AFC Futsal Asian Cup
The four-time champions were the only team to take three points following an emphatic 6-2 win over Australia, with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan playing out a goalless result in the later match.
#ACFutsal2026 | Group C: Japan 6-2 Australia
Down one goal within the first minute, Japan then took control with a display that oozed confidence and class and head coach Kensuke Takahashi was pleased with the result as another win will qualify his side for the quarter-finals and erase memories of their group stage exit in 2024.
“It was very tough as Australia are such a strong team and I’m very satisfied we got three points from our first game,” he said. “I’m very happy that we also scored through set-plays.”
With six players finding the back of the net, the former national player has a wealth of firepower at his disposal, but thinks his offence can further level up.
“It was very tough as Australia are such a strong team and I’m very satisfied we got three points from our first game,” he said. “I’m very happy that we also scored through set-plays.”
With six players finding the back of the net, the former national player has a wealth of firepower at his disposal, but thinks his offence can further level up.
“We can potentially improve our attack,” he said. “Today the players were adapting to the surface, which was of good playing quality.”
Takahashi will make the necessary tweaks ahead of facing Tajikistan on Matchday Two.
“These are very small points but they are the ones that win games,” he said. “Tajikistan’s playing style is different from Australia but we will be ready.”
Takahashi will make the necessary tweaks ahead of facing Tajikistan on Matchday Two.
“These are very small points but they are the ones that win games,” he said. “Tajikistan’s playing style is different from Australia but we will be ready.”
Tajikistan head coach Pairav Vohidov was disappointed with the stalemate against Uzbekistan and expects his players to do better against Japan.
“It was an amazing match and we had some success defending,” he said. “We had plans to win but still, both our teams have a chance to go further. We have played Japan several times, including in qualifying where we lost, and we know that they are the strongest team in Asia.
“We will try for a good result and to do that we need to further improve, especially in our ball control skills.”
Tajikistan v Japan
Venue: Indonesia Arena
Kick-off: Friday, 19:00 (UTC+7)
“It was an amazing match and we had some success defending,” he said. “We had plans to win but still, both our teams have a chance to go further. We have played Japan several times, including in qualifying where we lost, and we know that they are the strongest team in Asia.
“We will try for a good result and to do that we need to further improve, especially in our ball control skills.”
Tajikistan v Japan
Venue: Indonesia Arena
Kick-off: Friday, 19:00 (UTC+7)
#ACFutsal2026 | Group C: Uzbekistan 0-0 Tajikistan
Four-time runners-up Uzbekistan dominated but failed to get past a resolute Tajikistan defence, leaving head coach Nodir Elibaev.
“It’s a pity that we ended in a draw,” said head coach Nodir Elibaev. “I’m happy with our defence and goalkeeper but it was not the performance we wanted as we want to win each match.
“We had good chances in the first half but could not complete them and in the second, Tajikistan played well defensively and gave us few opportunities to attack.”
“It’s a pity that we ended in a draw,” said head coach Nodir Elibaev. “I’m happy with our defence and goalkeeper but it was not the performance we wanted as we want to win each match.
“We had good chances in the first half but could not complete them and in the second, Tajikistan played well defensively and gave us few opportunities to attack.”
Elibaev will look to change his side’s style of play against Australia.
“Tajikistan started their attacks with their goalkeeper but Australia are physically well-built and have better power, so we will minimise one-on-one situations. To win we will play fast futsal.”
Australia head coach Miles Downie was pleased with his side despite the defeat against Japan, noting they had created numerous chances.
“We performed very well for the most part, in and out of possession, and when we applied pressure we were able to steal the ball, which opened up more chances."
“Tajikistan started their attacks with their goalkeeper but Australia are physically well-built and have better power, so we will minimise one-on-one situations. To win we will play fast futsal.”
Australia head coach Miles Downie was pleased with his side despite the defeat against Japan, noting they had created numerous chances.
“We performed very well for the most part, in and out of possession, and when we applied pressure we were able to steal the ball, which opened up more chances."
“But we had issues with set-plays where we were not aggressive enough to block shots, so we will ensure this does not happen again.
“Uzbekistan are strong, aggressive and move the ball well, use their goalkeeper well and are excellent on set-pieces. Their style of play suits us and it will be a very good match-up.”
Australia v Uzbekistan
Venue: Indonesia Arena
Kick-off: Friday, 15:00 (UTC+7)
“Uzbekistan are strong, aggressive and move the ball well, use their goalkeeper well and are excellent on set-pieces. Their style of play suits us and it will be a very good match-up.”
Australia v Uzbekistan
Venue: Indonesia Arena
Kick-off: Friday, 15:00 (UTC+7)
Related News
- AFC Futsal Asian Cup
IR Iran’s Shamsaee, Afghanistan’s Mortezaei expect improvements
- AFC Futsal Asian Cup
Hosseinpoor hopes to help Afghanistan realise dreams
- AFC Futsal Asian Cup
IR Iran’s Aghapour vows to repay coach’s faith in him
- AFC Futsal Asian Cup
More to come from Japan, says Motoishi
- AFC U23 Asian Cup
#AFCU23 - Vote for your favourite Knockout Stage goal
Item 1 of 5