World Cup 2022: Can Japan Beat Another European Powerhouse?

Japan vs Spain

The final set of group stage matches are crucial in determining the Round of 16 places in World Cup 2022, and this tiff between Japan and Spain is one of those big games.

Following the latest set of World Cup 2022 results, things got a little complicated in Group E.

Japan couldn’t send Costa Rica packing as they were shockingly beaten 1-0 on Sunday, while Spain were held to a 1-1 stalemate by Germany. If they both won, they would have already joined the likes of Portugal, Brazil, and defending champions France in the knockouts.

Spain remain in pole position with four points, but Japan and Costa Rica have three, and Germany still have a puncher’s chance to advance. For this contest, Spain can advance with a draw while Japan need a win in order to have full control of their fate.

Talking Points

Peculiar team selections cost Japan

Japan were the better side for the most part versus Costa Rica, but they couldn’t find the back of the net and they conceded one on the other end.

They were frustrated by a tight defencive display by Costa Rica, who were fresh from a 7-0 beatdown by Spain. Hajime Moriyasu changed the shape of his side during half-time to a back three just like against Germany and it worked initially in the second half.

Substitute Takuma Asano forced a save with his first-time effort and they controlled the tempo. However, they became less precise as they kept flubbing chance after chance.

The pivotal moment came when Hidemasa Morita gave the ball away easily for Los Ticos to counter. Yeltstin Tejeda then teed up Keysher Fuller for the score as the Costa Rican right-back curled the ball over Shuichi Gonda.

They tried to salvage a point when Daichi Kamada and Takuma Asano had two more shot attempts, but Keylor Navas denied them with a couple of brilliant saves.

Hajime Moriyasu was criticised for his surprising decision to go for rotation over continuity, particularly when he started the inexperienced Ayase Ueda and Yuki Soma over Daizen Maeda and Junya Ito.

Since it hasn’t worked, look for Moriyasu to revert back to their same rotation pattern against Germany.

Morata make his case to start for Spain

Alvaro Morata has notched two goals and one assist so far this World Cup and he hasn’t even started a game.

The Atletico Madrid striker came off the bench early in the second half and he scored from close range eight minutes in, although they couldn’t come away with the victory as Niclas Fullkrug found the equaliser in the 83^rd minute.

Morata is currently fifth in Spain’s all-time scoring list as he has scored 29 times in 59 caps, drawing level with Fernando Hierro.

This season, Morata has recorded five goals and one assist despite not being a consistent starter for Diego Simeone at Atleti. But in Luis Enrique, he has a manager who believes in him.

Spain have had valid questions regarding their attack since they really don’t have that natural No. 9. And Morata’s performance against Germany should perhaps convince Luis Enrique that he fits the bill.

History

Japan and Spain meet again in a competitive setting after 21 years, as their only encounter happened in April 2001 where the latter won 1-0 in an international friendly. Spain have never lost to Asian sides at the World Cup with three wins and two draws, although they were eliminated via penalties

Betting Tip

The SBOTOP World Cup 2022 odds are favouring Spain to win since they’re pegged at 1.38, while Japan are the underdogs at 7.40 and a draw is at 4.70 in the 1X2 market.

Luis Enrique’s men are aiming to avoid the same result against Germany, so they’re going to show Japan why they’re one of the favourites to win it all. Moreover, Total Goal 2-3 @ 1.88 is a good alternative bet since Spain will score just enough to brush aside Japan.

 

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