Japan will face South Korea in a friendly in April next year, the JFA said Thursday.
The April 16 clash in South Korea will be the first meeting between the cohosts of this year's World Cup since December 2000, which ended in a 1-1 draw in Tokyo.
The JFA also announced the dates of a mini-tour to the United States next March. Japan will face Uruguay on March 26 and then play the U.S. three days later.
Shonan hires Samir
HIRATSUKA, Kanagawa Pref. (Kyodo) J. League Division Two side Shonan Bellmare has named former Japan assistant coach Samir as its new manager, club officials said Thursday. Morocco's Samir served as assistant to Frenchman Philippe Troussier for Japan for nearly four years.