Franco Mastantuono prepares to showcase his talents as "River Plate" faces "Urawa Red Diamonds" in their Club World Cup opener at Seattle's Lumen Field. The 17-year-old Argentine winger, who will officially join Real Madrid in August, enters the tournament as River's most productive player with 4 goals and 4 assists this season.
The June 17 match marks a historic first-ever meeting between the Argentine and Japanese giants in the expanded Club World Cup format. Both clubs bring previous tournament experience – this being River's third appearance and Urawa's fourth.
"River Plate" has a perfect record against Japanese opponents in this competition, having defeated "Sanfrecce Hiroshima" 1-0 in 2015 and dominated "Kashima Antlers" 4-0 in 2018. Coach Marcelo Gallardo has assured fans the team remains focused despite the buzz surrounding Mastantuono's impending move to Madrid.
Interestingly, Mastantuono recently became Argentina's youngest-ever national team debutant at 17 years and 296 days. The youngster has been River's most dangerous attacking threat, recording more shots than any teammate.
On the opposing side, "Urawa Red Diamonds" arrives in questionable form. The Polish-coached Japanese side has managed just two wins from their last seven league matches, currently sitting fourth in the J-League, seven points behind the leaders.
Ryoma Watanabe carries Urawa's main attacking hopes as their top scorer this season. The team also features Brazilian Matheus Savio, their most creative player with 4 assists and 41 chances created in the Japanese top flight.
The midfield battle could prove decisive with Swedish international Samuel Gustafson orchestrating play for Urawa against River's engine room. Meanwhile, Brazilian defender Danilo Boza, once considered among Serie A's most promising defenders, anchors the Japanese side's backline.
Can Mastantuono deliver a statement performance before his Real Madrid move, or will Urawa's international talent mix spring a surprise in Seattle? The countdown to this fascinating intercontinental clash is on.
