Argentine giants River Plate hope to upset european elite

Marcelo Gallardo's boys are in the big stage. River Plate are looking to get back in the mix against the European teams after a good Apertura that slipped away in the play-off against Platense, where they lost on penalties. In this Club World Cup, they start in the group behind Inter Milan and have a nice battle against Rayados de Monterrey.

The competitive unknown of Japanese side Urawa Reds may also condition the ‘Millonario’ in one of the most competitive groups of this first phase. In fact, the Argentinian club will open the tournament against the Asian side and close against the reigning European champions.

Squad list

Players to watch

Franco Mastantuono is one of those who have to be in this section. Despite his youth, he has naturally established himself in the scheme over the months. An innate talent for overflow, with the ability to find precision in the pass and with a powerful and dangerous shot. His great opportunity is this Club World Cup to begin to measure himself in the big time.

It comes at a time when his signing for Real Madrid is practically taken for granted. PSG have also been behind him, but it seems that he will continue to wear white next season after what could be his farewell in this Club World Cup that is coming up in the calendar.

If Mastantuono is the boldness and youth, Marcos Acuna is a safe bet for this tournament. On his return to Argentina, he has since become a key part of the Nunez side. On the left flank, he offers solidity and the ability to create danger in support and in depth. Important in Gallardo's scheme.

Coach

Marcelo Gallardo is one of the most experienced coaches on the current bench of the Club World Cup participants. Although in two different phases, he has already played 473 games at the helm of River Plate. Despite their elimination in the Apertura, he has ensured that his side have gone 17 consecutive matches without defeat in this competition. He has been committed to combinative football, his DNA since he arrived at the Monumental.

Group stage fixtures

Matchday 1

River Plate will face Urawa Reds on Tuesday 17 June at CenturyLink Field in Washington. Although they have faced other Japanese teams recently in World Cups under the old format - Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Kashima Antlers - it will be the first time against this new opponent.

Matchday 2

In the second stop, the ‘millonario’ team will face Rayados de Monterrey on Sunday 22 June at the Rose Bowl (California). The Aztecs have recently played against them in friendlies, but not in official matches. As a curiosity, both teams have recently been coached by Martín Demichelis.

Matchday 3 

River Plate will close this first phase on Thursday 26 June at CenturyLink Field (Washington) against Inter Milan. The only previous friendly between the two sides was a 1-1 draw in 1961.

Possible starting XI