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| AFC Futsal Championship |
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| Farinha calls for fitting finish |
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| Head coach Farinha is looking for China to end their AFC Futsal Championship campaign on a high note when they take on Japan for third. |
BANGKOK - China coach Farinha is eager for his side to do themselves justice when they face Japan in the third-place play-off at the AFC Futsal Championship on Sunday.
China were comprehensively outclassed by Thailand in Friday's semi-final as they went down 7-3 to the hosts.
It was a particularly disappointing display given they had upset Uzbekistan just 24 hours earlier to make the last four and book a place in the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil later in the year.
Farinha afterwards lamented the fact his side had not given a proper account of themselves and is eager to set the record straight against Japan.
Overcoming their seasoned opponents will be no easy feat and the China coach stressed he was less interested in the result and more concerned that his side put up more of a fight than they did against Thailand at Nimibutr Stadium.
"I hope that whatever the result, in the last game we demonstrate our best play again," said Farinha.
"Japan are very strong, but that's what I am hoping for in the last game. I'll tell the players they don't have to worry about the result.
"We have reached our objective and we have a long time to prepare for the World Cup, so I consider the third place game the beginning of our preparation for the World Cup
"What I expect is that we play as well as we can, like we did in the previous four games, and whatever the score, I will be happy if we produce our best possible performance."
Japan go into the encounter on the back of heart-breaking semi-final loss to heavyweights Iran.
Yusuke Komiyama's defensive slip allowed Vahid Shamsaee to nip in and score wha t proved to be the winning goal just before half-time.
After being on the back-foot for the majority of the first period, Japan came out fighting after the break and Yuki Kanayama wasted a glorious late opportunity to level the game.
Falling at the penultimate hurdle in such a fashion would leave many teams finding it difficult to pick themselves up off the floor.
But coach Sergio Sapo insisted there will be no lack of fight from his side when Japan face China.
"We will continue to be motivated and to go and fight against China," said the Brazilian.
"We should win the game and we'll continue playing to win."
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