Venezuela manager Rafael Dudamel was a relieved man when he learned that Takefusa Kubo would not be involved in tomorrow’s Kirin Challenge Cup.



At the pre-match press conference, Dudamel asked about the 18-year-old Mallorca midfielder, “Kubo won’t be playing on the 19th, right? Is this information correct? Then it’ll be easier for us.”

Venezuela is using this opportunity to prepare for their World Cup qualifying campaign starting next March. “This will be an important match for us. We respect Japan’s organisational football, and it’s great that we get to play in your home.”

In the two nations’ previous four encounters, Japan has recorded 1 win and 3 draws. Their last international friendly played at Oita on November 2018 finished 1-1.

For Japanese football news: CoolJapan Soccer

Source: Yahoo

Image: Yahoo