Japan-Spain is a match in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup and is played on Thursday at 20:00: odds, predictions, TV and streaming.
In Spain, they are quite convinced that the point they took in their clash with Germany was a very valuable one, although the regret of seeing victory slip away in the final stages remains. Certainly, with a success Luis Enrique’s men could have closed the games with a day to spare, but qualification remains well within reach. La Roja, in fact, lead the standings in Group E – in which all four teams still have a chance of reaching the round of 16 – thanks to the four points won between Costa Rica, annihilated 7-0 on the opening day, and the Germans. They are closely followed by Japan and Luis Suarez’s Central Americans, tied on three, while Germany are resoundingly last with just one point, although a win against Keylor Navas and Co. could be enough to avert elimination.
Much will also depend on the outcome of the match between Spain and the Japanese, and it is not wrong to say that Germany’s fate is in the hands of the selection led by the former Roma and Barcelona coach. Among the big teams, it is one of those that has made the most impression, not only because of the initial goleada. Spain is perhaps less strong and complete than the heavy favourites Brazil and France, but compared to them it has a well-defined identity, many players play together at the same club and with their broken and fast dribbling they can go far. With the Germans, Morata scored again, this time lined up from the 1′ by Luis Enrique.
What about Japan? The Blue Samurai incredibly squandered a match point that would perhaps have put Germany out of the game. After the historic comeback victory (1-2) over Hansi Flick’s team, Kamada and his team-mates were unable to get through Costa Rica’s ‘wall’: their assault on the goal defended by Navas did not have the desired effect and almost at the end they even ended up losing, taking the goal on a diabolical shot by Costa Rican Fuller. Japan must now try to at least avoid defeat against Spain, but even in the event of a draw they must hope that in the other match Germany do not win by too many goals against the Ticos. There is only one precedent with the Roja: the Iberians faced Japan in a friendly and came out on top 1-0.
Japan-Spain: latest line-up news
Yoshida
Japan is set to rely on its well-trodden 4-2-3-1, but head coach Hajime Moriyasu may make a few changes from the Costa Rica challenge. First he will have to do without midfielder Endo, who is struggling with a knee problem and has not taken part in recent training sessions. It is a ballot regarding the replacement: Tanaka and Shibasaki are competing for a shirt. Another duel is in attack, where Maeda is challenging ward mate Ueda. In the three-quarter it will be Kubo and Doan to support Kamada, with Asano and Minamino starting again from the bench.
Spain’s youngster Gavi, who was absent in training, is in doubt, and Luis Enrique is considering giving Busquets a rest, as he is cautioned and risks missing the round of 16 in the event of a yellow card. In place of the experienced Barcelona director, Rodri, who has been deployed in defence up until now, will move up a few metres. Up front Morata will be joined by Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres, while at the back Carvajal could be preferred to Azpilicueta.
The prediction
Will Japan be able to pull off another feat like against Germany? The answer, in our opinion, is no. Spain is the team that has expressed perhaps the best game in this World Cup so far. And they should have no problem in defeating a double-faced opponent, who in our opinion has already thrown away the great chance they were able to create for themselves. Luis Enrique and his men will not be surprised in a match that promises to be entertaining – the Japanese offensive sorties should not be few – and at least three goals in total.
Japan-Spain line-up probables
- JAPAN (4-2-3-1): Gonda; Yamane, Itakura, Yoshida, Nagatomo; Tanaka, Morita; Doan, Kamada, Kubo; Maeda.
- SPAGNA (4-3-3): Unai Simon; Carvajal, Pau Torres, Laporte, Jordi Alba; Koke, Rodri, Pedri; Ferran Torres, Morata, Dani Olmo.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-2
