Japan vs Spain – Group Stage – Preview & Prediction | 2022 FIFA World Cup
THE FACTS
When is Japan vs Spain on and what time does it start? Japan vs Spain will take place on Thursday 1st December, 2022 – 19:00 (UK)
Where is Japan vs Spain taking place? Japan vs Spain will take place at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar
Where can I get tickets for Japan vs Spain? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Japan vs Spain
What channel is Japan vs Spain on in the UK? Japan vs Spain will be televised live on ITV
Where can I stream Japan vs Spain in the UK? Japan vs Spain can be streamed live on the ITV Hub
THE LOWDOWN
JAPAN
- Japan failed to build on their brilliant win over Germany as they succumbed to a shock loss to Costa Rica in their second group game and they may now need a result against Spain to earn a spot in the knockout stages.
- The Japanese were made to pay for some poor finishing as they wasted several chances and to make matters worse, they may still be without Takehiro Tomiyasu and Hiroki Sakai with the pair struggling to overcome hamstring injuries while Wataru Endo could be sidelined with a knee injury.
SPAIN
- Spain failed to hold onto a late lead in their clash with Germany which meant they had to settle for a point and there is still work to be done to ensure they progress to the Round of 16.
- It would take a huge turnaround for the Spaniards to be eliminated but they are unlikely to take any chances with their team selection, although Sergio Busquets could be rested as he is one yellow away from a ban while Gavi is a doubt after sitting out training.
THE TEAM NEWS
JAPAN
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Gonda; Yamane, Itakura, Yoshida, Nagatomo; Tanaka, Morita; Ito, Kamata, Doan; Ueda
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Takehiro Tomiyasu (Injured), Hiroki Sakai (Injured), Wataru Endo (Injured)
SPAIN
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Simon; Carvajal, P. Torres, Laporte, Alba; Koke, Rodri, Pedri; F. Torres, Morata, Olmo
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Gavi (Injured)
THE KEY STATS
- Japan have lost only two of their last eight World Cup group stage matches against European clubs (W3 D3)
- Japan have conceded more than one goal in only one of their previous nine World Cup group stage matches against European nations
- Japan have qualified from their group in three of the last five World Cup final competitions
- Japan have not kept a clean sheet in their last seven World Cup matches
- If Japan fail to score, it will be the first time they have not found the net in two successive World Cup matches since their first two matches in the competition at the 1998 finals
- Spain have lost only two of their last 17 international matches (W12 D3)
- Spain have won four and drawn one of their previous five FIFA World Cup group stage matches against Asian teams
- Spain have won each of their last three FIFA World Cup group stage matches against AFC nations without conceding a goal
- Spain have completed five of their last eight FIFA World Cup group stage campaigns without losing a game
- Spain have lost only four of their last 28 World Cup group stage matches (W17 D7)
- Spain have only failed to score in three of their last 25 World Cup group stage matches
- Spain have only failed to score in one of their last 15 World Cup matches
THE PREDICTION
Japan will be rueing their inability to convert in front of goal as they fell to a disappointing loss in their game with Costa Rica. That defeat could cost them a spot in the next stage of the tournament, although all is not lost as a positive result here against Spain could be enough to see them advance. The Spaniards need just a point to book their place in the next round and will be confident of prevailing here. They have produced some superb pieces of attacking play in their two games to date and they should have too much quality for their opponents in this contest.
TIP: SPAIN TO WIN
