Hosts' brilliant promise not enough against Spain
Japan's U23s men's team head into their semi-final clash with Spain's equivalent as the clear underdogs, despite enjoying host status in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. A penalty shoot out triumph over New Zealand after a 120-minute stalemate belies their earlier performances in the tournament. Meanwhile, Luis de la Fuente will be hoping his young charges can express themselves more freely than Ivory Coast allowed in the quarters. Read our preview here:
Sakai's the limit
A defensive reshuffle will be the order of the day for Samurai Blue. Atalanta centre back Takehiro Tomiyasu has picked up two bookings, so the player coveted by new Tottenham Hotspur head coach Nuno will sit this one out. Hiroki Sakai will line up on the right side of the four, and the overage Marseille full-back will have his work cut out to advance with the ball outside of his own third. He and his teammates can expect their adversaries to try to control the game as far away from their own goal as possible, so alternative, reliable avenues will be needed to prevent that being the tale of the tape. In attacking midfield, Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Doan have both had stellar tournaments, and the former has put himself in the shop window for another likely loan move away from Real Madrid.
Pedri-diculous
Another individual returning from suspension is Oscar Gil, and with Barcelona mainstay Óscar Mingueza out injured, he us the only natural replacement on the roster out wide on the right. Super sub Rafa Mir should have done enough to earn a start in the middle of the front three, although it remains to be seen whether his domestic coach Bruno Lage will include him in his plans for English Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers. Pedri's inclusion is of course extremely conspicuous. 'Fresh' from being both the Euro 2020 Young Player of the Tournament and the only Spanish player in the Team XI, he will doubtlessly be the go-to man in midfield, working his magic in tight spaces to create openings for others, progressing the ball and making positive use of possession almost every time it is played into his feet, even at pace.
Endo the line
Naturally, pundits will favour Spain, with several of the contingent now established names at the 'big three' back home. They will however be both mindful and respectful of the burgeoning talent in Japan's ranks, whilst retaining confidence in their own collective ability to push through to the gold medal match at the weekend. betway have odds of 4.50 for the 'visitors' to win inside 90 minutes, with both teams scoring.
