Football: Veteran Urawa keeper says defense key against River Plate

The Mainichi

9 hours ago

SEATTLE (Kyodo) -- Japan's Urawa Reds will be ready to soak up defensive pressure against Argentine heavyweights River Plate in their first match of the Club World Cup, veteran goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa said Sunday.
The two teams are set to meet in the opening Group E encounter at Seattle's Lumen Field on Tuesday.
"We're bracing to be kept on the back foot, but if we hold firm in defense, we'll definitely have a chance," Nishikawa said during an online interview.
Urawa qualified for the revamped Club World Cup by winning the 2022-23 Asian Champions League, having reached the continental club competition via their 2021 Emperor's Cup triumph.
"The story started four years ago. We got here thanks to various events falling into place," said Nishikawa, who turns 39 on Wednesday.
Urawa face a tall task advancing from a group also featuring Italian giants Inter Milan and Mexico's Monterrey, but Nishikawa says they will head into the group opener with high aspirations.
"I want to enjoy it to the fullest, with a sense of pride and responsibility," he said.