NEWS

Japan failed to make it to the knockout stage of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup after losing to Spain 6-1 in their third Group D match on Tuesday in Marseille, France.

With their third straight defeat, Japan finished bottom of their group with no points, while defending champions Brazil romped over Mexico 7-1 to finish top with three wins and advance to the quarterfinals. Spain finished second with a 2-0-1 win-draw-loss record to also reach the knockout stage.

Japan held Spain early on and were able to reach the first break with the scores still level at 0-0. But Amarelle opened the scoring for the Spaniards in the second period and went on to score a hat trick to secure their second win and a place in the quarterfinals.

"We didn't have any luck today," said Japan player-coach Takeshi Kawaharazuka. "But I think we showed we can stand up to the very best."

Japan had started the world contest with a 4-3 loss to Mexico on July 18.

The Beach Boys in Blue took a 2-0 lead with goals from Katsuhiro Yoshii and Teruki Tabata shortly after the 24-minute mark, but Mexico replied through Israel Santoyo before Ricardo Villalobos leveled the scores at 24:50.

Tomoya Uehara once again put Japan ahead, but Christopher Flores canceled that out before Villalobos scored the winner at 30:30 for the Mexicans.

Two days later, Japan suffered an 8-1 loss by Brazil, with Junior Negao scored twice to highlight the world champions' attacking performance. Trailing 6-0, Shinji Makino replied for Japan, but Brazil went on the attack to produce two more goals from Daniel and an own
goal.

Kawaharazuka commented, "We have learned so many things from playing in this tournament."

Japan, who finished fourth in the inaugural tournament in 2005, have now been knocked out at the group stage three years running.