Argentina choose base near Fukushima in Japan

December 12, 2001

BUENOS AIRES, Dec 12 (AFP) -- Argentina will make their World Cup base next year at Utsukushimori, 230km north of Tokyo, the Argentinian football federation said on Wednesday.

The base at Utsukushimori, near to Fukushima, has good training facilities and has satisfied the stringent requirements of coach Marcelo Bielsa.

The decision was taken after perusing several options following the return of general team co-ordinator Jose Pekerman from a trip to Japan.

Argentina meet England, Nigeria and Sweden in first round Group F at the sport's showcase event in South Korea and Japan.

The hotel base has 90 rooms, 12 football pitches and an adjoining training stadium big enough for 5,000 spectators.