Kick-off: 1900, 01/12/2022
Stadium: Khalifa International Stadium
TV: ITV
Spain have been among the best sides during the early stages of Qatar 2022 and it would be a surprise if they don’t get the better of Japan.
The Samurai Blue did shock Germany first up but undid much of that good work when edged out by Costa Rica in the second round of Group E games.
We like 31/10 for La Roja to prevail by exactly two goals as our opening Japan vs Spain prediction.
Japan Odds
The euphoria of Japan’s second-half display in a 2-1 triumph over Germany evaporated as they went down 1-0 to Costa Rica.
Hajime Moriyasu’s side controlled possession and led 14-4 in attempts on goal, but looked lightweight in attack this time.
At the other end, goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda made a feeble attempt to save Keysher Fuller’s curling shot in the 81st minute and that mistake proved costly.
That result left the Samurai Blue knowing they may need to do something special in their final group fixture to progress.
“Spain is a strong team,” said Moriyasu. “However, from the beginning we were thinking from three matches, we would try to advance, so we will just go for good preparation for a good match.”
Japan are a technically correct side, but the fear here is that everything they do, Spain do better.
Looking at the Japan vs Spain odds, we believe 23/20 for La Roja to win and under 3.5 goals in the game is a solid selection.
Spain Odds
Spain made a statement of intent when thrashing Costa Rica 7-0 and then took part in a high-class 1-1 draw with Germany.
Dani Olmo had a first-half shot tipped onto the bar before substitute Alvaro Morata put La Roja ahead with a neat near-post finish on 62 minutes.
Niclas Fullkrug levelled things up with a fierce strike late on but the 2010 champions are still in pole position to progress.
Luis Enrique commented: “It is a pity, the result, but we have to be happy because we are leaders in this group of death.”
The manager added: “We had to play with more composure. If we start playing different styles, the transitions become harder.”
That suggests he will be looking for a more clinical display here, rather than getting dragged into another open encounter.
Let’s add 5/2 for La Roja to lead 1-0 at half-time to our Japan vs Spain betting tips.
Additional stats
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