Japan to face Portugal Japan will likely play EURO 2004 host Portugal at home in June and away in October as a part of its build-up program under national team coach Zico, the Japan Football Association announced Monday in Tokyo.
The first meeting is likely to be held June 13 or 14 as the second match of the Kirin Cup, which will also feature a full-strength Argentina on June 8 at Osaka's Nagai Stadium in the first match.
The annual tournament will serve as a tuneup for Japan prior to the Confederations Cup, slated for June 18-29 in France. According to the JFA, Portugal is expected to visit the Asian champion here with its best players, such as Luis Figo and Lui Costa.