Japan vs Guatemala – FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025 Group A Match Analysis

Japan kicked off their FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025 campaign with a thrilling 6-2 comeback victory over debutants Guatemala, powered by a Ryota Tsuboya brace and a flurry of spectacular goals.

Guatemala goals: Berny Marroquin, Miguel Gonzalez

Japan goals: Ryota Tsuboya (2), Kosuke Matsuda, Takeru Furusato, Takuya Akaguma, Ozu Moreira

Player of the Match: Takeru Furusato

Los Chapines stunned the crowd by taking the lead twice in a frenetic opening period. Berny Marroquin made a statement by dispossessing Japanese legend Ozu Moreira and stretching to slot home a superb finish. But Japan struck back almost instantly—just six seconds later—when Ryota Tsuboya responded with a sensational bicycle kick to level the scores.

Guatemala, unfazed, hit back immediately as Miguel Gonzalez restored their lead straight from the restart. However, Japan equalized again before the break, this time through Kosuke Matsuda, who capitalized on a clever setup from Ozu to fire home.

The second period was goalless, despite Japan hitting the woodwork three times. But the Samurai Blue took full control in the final third. Goalkeeper Takeru Furusato showcased his skills, fooling Gonzalez before cutting inside to finish low into the corner. Takuya Akaguma added to the highlight reel with an acrobatic overhead kick, Ozu found the net with a pinpoint strike, and Tsuboya completed his double to seal the win.

Japan’s combination of resilience and flair proved too much for Guatemala, but Los Chapines’ spirited debut hinted at a promising future.