2022 AFCON Futsal Asian Cup: Japan coach Kenichiro Kogure highlights importance of star forward Kazuya to Samurai Five

Japan coach Kenichiro Kogure has emphasized the importance of forward Kazuya Shimizu to his team after the former Cordoba player netted a brace to propel the Samurai Five to the top spot.

The 25-year-old resisted a challenge from his marker to strongly bullet the ball past the Vietnamese keeper in the first period before managing to break the back of their defence as he graciously cracked a powerful shot that came off the far post before sailing in for the second goal.

The all-important victory has put Japan at the summit of Group D and would now face the runner-up from Group C which could be either Indonesia, Lebanon, or Chinese Taipei.

Head coach Kogure believes the former Fugador Sumida player is a key component of his side.

“His play is very necessary to our team. Everybody [did his best in the game]. However, Kazuya is very important to our attack,” he said during the post-match press conference held in the Media Conference room at the Saad Al Abdullah Hall.

Kazuya has previously played in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup for Japan and is one of the most experienced players in the Japanese attack.

Japan are three-time champions of the competition, having won the title in 2006, 2012, and 2014.

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Source: Sports