Kick-off: 1400, 01/02/2019
Stadium: Zayed Sports City Stadium
Qatar have been a revelation at the 2019 Asian Cup but Japan have the pedigree to ensure their fairytale run to the final does not have a happy ending.
The Samurai Blue have lifted this trophy four times in the last seven renewals, coming out on top each time they have reached the tournament decider.
That record is hard to argue with and Hajime Moriyasu’s side appeal at 23/20 to get the job done in normal time for our first Japan vs Qatar prediction.
A Look At Japan’s Betting Odds
Japan topped their group thanks to a trio of workmanlike wins over Turkmenistan, Oman and Uzbekistan, prevailing by a one-goal margin on each occasion.
The Samurai Blue then beat Saudi Arabia and Vietnam 1-0 in the knockout rounds, before putting in their best performance to date with a 3-0 triumph over Iran in the semis.
Werder Bremen forward Yuya Osako hit a double in that game and tops his country’s overall scoring chart with four in Abu Dhabi.
Hannover midfielder Genki Haraguchi also netted against Iran and the feeling is that Japan just have more players with big-match experience.
Gaku Shibasaki of Getafe and Red Bull Salzburg’s Takumi Minamino are other European-based players in the engine room.
Japan can also boast a trio of proven performers at the back in Southampton’s Maya Yoshida, Yuto Nagatomo of Galatasaray and Marseille’s Hiroki Sakai.
Looking at the Japan vs Qatar odds, we reckon 39/20 for the Samurai Blue to put in a clinical display and win to nil is worth support.
A Look At Qatar’s Betting Odds
Qatar are obviously building towards hosting the 2022 World Cup and will take great heart from their efforts at this tournament.
Former Barcelona youth coach Felix Sanchez Bas has a well-drilled squad of home-based players and they are yet to concede a single goal in Abu Dhabi.
Lebanon, North Korea and Saudi Arabia were beaten during the pool stage by an aggregate score of 10-0.
Iraq were edged out 1-0 in the last 16, the Maroons then upset South Korea by the same scoreline before crushing hosts United Arab Emirates 4-0 in the semis.
Sudan-born striker Almoez Ali has been the star of the show, bagging half of his side’s 16 goals, but breaking down Japan’s formidable defence will be tough now the pressure is really on.
We’re taking 5/1 for the Samurai Blue to shade a cagey contest 1-0 to finish off our Japan vs Qatar betting tips.
Additional stats
Semi-final results:
Iran 0-3 JAPAN – Yuya Osako (2), Genki Haraguchi
QATAR 4-0 United Arab Emirates – Boualem Khoukhi, Almoez Ali, Hassan Al Haidos and Hamid Ismail
Head-to-head: Japan 3-2 Qatar, Japan 1-1 Qatar, Qatar 0-3 Japan, Japan 1-1 Qatar
Join bwin today and receive up to £20 money back as a FreeBet if your first wager at odds of 1/1 (2.0) or greater is a loser! Terms and conditions apply.
Stay close to the action with the bwin app. Access more markets than any other betting provider and scan our in-depth football statistics menu to find and make your bet selections fast. Download now the best betting app.
