Ahead of the two SAISON CARD CUP 2021 fixtures scheduled on Friday 26 March at Tokyo Stadium and Monday 29 March at Kitakyushu Stadium against the U-24 Japan National Team, the U-24 Argentina National Team arrived at Japan.

In order to prioritise the safety of all players, staffs, and people involved, strict measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 were implemented, as the players were permitted entry after receiving negative results from tests taken 72 hours prior to their departure, followed by another test taken at the Japanese airport. The team will train for two days in Tokyo before facing the U-24 Japan National Team on the 26th.

Coach and Players' Comments

Fernando BATISTA, Coach
I have played in Japan as a player, so I am well aware about the country and have a very positive impression. From watching a few match footages of the Japan National Team, I can tell that they are very competitive and should provide us with a significant opportunity to prepare ourselves ahead of the Olympics. I know that many people cannot come to the stadium due to the limitation of spectators for this match, but we will give our utmost efforts to showcase a spectacular performance to people watching the match both live and through the broadcast.

DF #2 Nehuen PEREZ (Granada CF/Spain)
This is my first time visiting Japan, but I am getting the impression that the city is very organised and clean. It is very unfortunate that we can go out to discover Japanese culture because of the strict measures taken for COVID-19. But still, we will be given the opportunity to face a wonderful opponent who is also the host country of the Olympics, so these matches should allow us to improve ourselves ahead of the main tournament. We take pride in our teamwork, and we hope to showcase a spectacular performance in front of the Japanese people.

MF #10 Matias VARGAS (RCD Espanyol/Spain)
I don't know much about Japanese football, but I have the impression that they are one of the top teams in Asia, and they are capable of playing with great accuracy and physical strengths. We believe that these two friendly matches are very meaningful to us as we get to face the host nation who will also be playing in the Olympics. It would have been better if we got to interact with the Japanese fans, but I hope they will enjoy watching our matches.