Japan vs Spain: Morata can ignite Red Fury against Samurai Blue
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World Cup 2022: Japan vs Spain odds, preview and tips
Spain were just seven minutes away from booking their place in the last 16 of the World Cup but Germany’s equaliser means they still need a point to advance or a victory to finish top of the group.
Japan’s shock win against Germany in their opening group game had them on the cusp of the knockout stage only for a 1-0 defeat by Costa Rica leaving them requiring at least a draw against Spain and more than likely a win, but defeat will end their World Cup campaign.
Luis Enrique’s side could still miss out if they lose and the Spain winning odds of 2/5 suggest they are not certainties, so Thursday’s match promises to be a thriller.
Samurai Blue eye red-hot start
The maths is clear for Japan, who cannot rely on Costa Rica to get a result against Germany having been destroyed 7-0 by Spain in their opening group game.
Even a draw would not be enough if Hansi Flick’s men win by two goals, so the Samurai Blue will have to be on the front foot against the 2010 world champions – easier said than done given Spain had 82% and 65% possession against Costa Rica and Germany.
However, Japan proved they belong on the world stage when they recovered from a half-time deficit to beat the four-time champions 2-1 courtesy of goals in the final quarter of an hour from substitutes Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano, who both play in Germany for Freiburg and Bochum.
Déjà vu? 👀 Alvaro Morata steps up again from the bench to secure Spain a 1-1 draw with Germany.💥
Has your @Budweiser Player of the Match done enough to start in their 3rd & final game of the group stages? 🤔
🇪🇸 #ESPGER 🇩🇪 @Budfootball #POTM #YoursToTake #BringHomeTheBud pic.twitter.com/xg7KXuaEpZ
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 27, 2022
Head coach Hajime Moriyasu revealed that his plan was to be “aggressive” from the start and a similar approach could be adopted for Thursday’s game.
Winger Junya Ito is a threat down the right and he can at least help Japan get on the scoresheet, but the underdogs are likely to be worn down by Spain, who can win and concede at 21/10 in the World Cup odds.
Japan are also 18/5 to be the first team to score in the opening 45 minutes in the World Cup betting, while Spain can be backed at 8/1 to win from behind.
Morata could be main man
Enrique kept faith with the same front three that excelled against Costa Rica for the 1-1 draw with Germany, but turned to Alvaro Morata early in the second half and within eight minutes the Atletico Madrid striker had put La Roja in front with a brilliant near-post finish from Jordi Alba’s low cross.
That goal could be enough for Morata to earn a place in the starting line-up either at the expense of Ferran Torres or Marco Asensio.
It’s probably not worth taking the risk on the former Chelsea striker breaking the deadlock at 10/3 until the starting line-ups are announced, but 23/20 on him scoring any time is one of our Japan vs Spain betting tips.
Ito also catches the eye at 4/1 having been the top scorer with four goals in the fourth and final qualifying round for the World Cup.
Match Info
Where: Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan
When: 19:00, Thursday, 1st December
How to watch: ITV
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
