Spain to show class v spirited Japan
Japan need to beat Spain to make the last 16 after missing a huge opportunity to seal progression against Costa Rica.
Hajime Moriyasu’s men produced one of the shocks of the tournament so far by beating Germany in their first match, coming from behind to win 2-1, elevating expectations about their potential in the competition.
Spain have looked like one of the stronger sides in Qatar so far, and led until late on against Germany last time out, but having said that, the Germans did create the better chances and gave Luis Enrique a lot to think about.
If Germany only beat Costa Rica 1-0 then a score draw would be enough to see Japan through, however that seems unlikely given the amount of high quality chances the Costa Ricans have allowed in the tournament so far.
Background
The likelihood that Japan need to take all three points to qualify may play into Spain’s hands, considering how adept they are at keeping possession, and the speed that they possess in transition.
An unders angle initially interested me in looking for an angle into this fixture, but given Japan’s need to score in the game, and how that may continue deep into the encounter, there will likely be opportunities for the Spanish to pick them off.
Japan have not been wholly defensively convincing so far, and the mobile forwards that Spain have in their squad will be a lot to handle.
Alvaro Morata is odds against to get on the scoresheet which does look like potentially a bit of value with the number of goals there could be in the game, with Japan having to throw caution to the wind.
But it is hard to guarantee that the Atletico Madrid forward starts the game, making Marco Asensio or Dani Olmo possibly worth a punt.
Goals?
My initial instinct was unders so I am not going to go against that and back overs, with the timing of the first goal crucial in this one, with a draw being enough for Spain to top the group.
Japan have scored in six of ten.
Japan have conceded in five of ten.
Japan have seen both teams score in three of ten.
Japan have seen over 2.5 goals in six of ten.
Spain have scored in all of their last 23.
Spain have conceded in five of ten.
Spain have seen both teams score in five of ten.
Spain have seen over 2.5 goals in five of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Incredible turnaround sees Japan seal top spot, 2-1 Japan.