The Canada National Team, who will play the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) in the MIZUHO BLUE DREAM MATCH 2023 on Friday, 13 October at Denka Big Swan Stadium in Niigata, arrived in Japan on Monday, 9 October.

The players arrived at Haneda and Narita airports on the 9th and were transferred to a hotel in Tokyo. The team then travelled to Niigata in the morning of the following day and began training in the afternoon. Training was delayed due to torrential rain but was able to start 30 minutes later when the rain began to ease.

The MIZUHO BLUE DREAM MATCH 2023 between the SAMURAI BLUE and Canada National Team is scheduled to kick-off at 19:35 on Friday 13 October.

Coach and Players' Comments

Mauro BIELLO, Head Coach of Canada National Team
We are expecting a very difficult match. Japan has enjoyed great success in many international competitions, and in recent years there have been an increasing number of Japanese players making their mark in club competitions. As a team they are technically sound, tactically developed and very well organised. I am sure we will be able to put on a wonderful performance in front of the fans. We believe this game will be a great experience for us. We have also gained a lot of experience playing against countries in the top 20 of the FIFA rankings. We are confident that our team's unity and team play is as good as Japan’s, and we will give our best performance on the match day.

Jonathan DAVID
We know that Japan are not an easy team to play against. So, we think it will be a very important learning experience for the team. Although we will only be playing one match in Niigata, we hope to make the most of the experience. We will do our best to enjoy ourselves and put on a great match.

Ismael KONE
I have participated in a number of international tours in the past, but I believe that this match against Japan will be a particularly important and highly anticipated match. I am really looking forward to playing against a strong opponent.

Fixture: SAMURAI BLUE vs Canada National Team
Date: Fri. 13 October 2023, 19:35
Venue: Denka Big Swan Stadium (Niigata)
Match Information

JFA OFFICIAL
TOP PARTNER

JFA OFFICIAL
SUPPLIER

JFA MAJOR PARTNER

JFA NATIONAL TEAM PARTNER