World Cup 2022 Japan vs Spain Tips and Predictions

Spain will be hoping to confirm their place in the round of 16 and will be hoping to take all three points from their final Group E game at the Khalifa International Stadium on December 1st.

Japan have blown hot and cold in Qatar so far, and having beaten Germany and lost to Costa Rica, they are incredibly tough to predict. Perhaps surprisingly, manager Hajime Moriyasu made five changes to a winning XI and his decision seriously backfired. The Blue Samurai have been sluggish and slow during the opening 45 minutes, whereas they’ve come out with a renewed vigour after the break.

Spain will have been disappointed to have blown a one goal lead against Germany on Sunday night, however, on the balance of play, a point was probably fair. Luis Enrique’s side weren’t quite as dynamic going forward this time around, however, they still have a sizeable goal difference to fall back on. The Roja weren’t tested against Costa Rica, however, Japan are likely to ask questions of Unai Simon.

Although Japan can be tough opponents, Bwin have made Spain 39/100 favourites and they will be heavily backed to take all three points. Japan have already beaten Germany and are available at 7/1 to cause yet another shock.

• This will be the first competitive meeting between Spain and Japan. They faced one another in an international friendly back in 2001 with Spain running out 1-0 winners.
• Japan – Japan have been much been much better after the break in their two matches so far with 11 of their 13 shots against Costa Rica coming In the second half. They also fired In 11 of their 12 efforts after the break against Germany, so we can expect them to get going after the interval here.
• Spain– Spain produced an xG of 3.5 in their opening match against Costa Rica, however, they weren’t quite as clinical on Sunday night. Nevertheless, Luis Enrique’s side will dominate possession here and look to take the sting out of the game.

Spain are odds-on favourites here, however, they will be wary of Japan’s credentials. The Blue Samurai are a little unpredictable and they always have a game plan up their sleeves. Nevertheless, having seen Germany fall victim to these opponents, they will know what they have to do In order to avoid a similar fate.

SPAIN WIN

Japan are extremely dangerous going forward and although they didn’t find the net against Costa Rica, they created enough chances in the second half. Spain’s firepower is superb and there’s every chance that they hit the back of the net.

BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE

As mentioned, Japan seem to come to life in the second period and Moriyasu will likely make changes if his side are behind going into the break.

HIGHEST SCORING HALF – SECOND HALF

Japan 

Hajime Moriyasu made five changes to his winning team and is likely to make a few alterations for this one too. He has also used his bench effectively throughout the tournament. 

Key Player/s: Takumo Minamino, Wataru Endo

Team news: Hiroki Sakai picked up an injury in the first group match and is unlikely to have recovered in time for this one. Wataru Endo was disappointing against Costa Rica and may be left on the bench here. 

Predicted Lineup: Shuichi Gonda, Maya Yoshida, Yuto Nagatomo, Ko Itakura, Miki Yamana, Wataru Endo, Takefuso Kubo, Ritsu Doan, Daichi Kamada, Yuki Soma, Ayase Ueda.

Spain

Luis Enrique could be tempted to make changes for this third group game, however, with his side still requiring a point to ensure qualification, he must strike the right balance and ensure that he doesn’t disrupt the rhythm of his XI. 

Key Player/s: Alvaro Morata, Pedri

Team news: Despite scoring twice so far, Luis Enrique hasn’t opted to start Alvaro Morata yet. He has been feeling a little under the weather, however, he should have sufficiently recovered in time for this encounter. Ferran Torres may be the man to make way. 

Predicted Lineup: Unai Simon, Dani Carvajal, Rodri, Aymeric Laporte, Jordi Alba, Ferran Torres, Sergio Busquets, Rodri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Alvaro Morata. 

Spain should win this encounter, however, Japan are unpredictable and perfectly capable of causing yet another surprise. As a result, it may be better to back both teams to find the net, especially if Japan come out firing in the second half. Spain should win this encounter, however, Japan are unpredictable and perfectly capable of causing yet another surprise. As a result, it may be better to back both teams to find the net, especially if Japan come out firing in the second half.

Bet on Both Teams to Score