World Cup 2022: Japan v Spain Betting Preview & Odds
World Cup Qatar 2022 Japan v Spain. Spain plays Japan in a thrilling final encounter to determine for qualifies from Group E, at the Khalifa International Stadium. With all four teams still able to qualify, it’s a winner takes all scenario. Join us as we assess both teams and highlight the players to watch. We also make predictions in the popular Over / Under goals market and our final score prediction.
All four teams from Group E have the potential to progress in setting up an enthralling final day in Group E. Japan delivered one of the major upsets in the World Cup, beating Germany 2 – 1 but lost against Costa Rica in a match that would have guaranteed them progress. They must win against Spain to emulate their 2018 round of sixteen appearances, with a defeat sending them back to Tokyo.
Spain will be hoping to win two group-stage games for the first time since their 2010 triumph after slipping up late against Germany to draw 1 – 1. The tiki-taka kings have been stylish and dominant, beating Costa Rica 7 – 0 in their first match but now need to avoid defeat to qualify for the next phase.
All group games are played simultaneously after the ‘Disgrace in Gijon in 1982’ that saw West Germany and Austria maintain a 1 – 0 win to ensure both sides progressed. The simultaneous playing in such a close group would be an exciting and nervy experience, especially with all four sides having a chance of qualifying.
We take you through the details of the match and the odds for you to consider.
Japan v Spain Betting Odds and Markets
The most popular markets are the full-time result or the over/under. See the latest odds-on offer in the tables below.
Full-Time Result
| Match Result Betting | ||
|---|---|---|
| Japan Win | Draw | Spain Win |
| 8/1 | 15/4 | 4/11 |
Spain has been playing fantastic football; that is why it’s not a surprise they are outright favourites with bet365 at 4/11 odds. However, Japan has already slayed one of the Goliaths in the competition, with the odds of upsetting another stronghold set at 8/1. A draw is set at 15/4.
Japan was unbeaten in the last five games before they lost 2 – 1 in their recent friendly match. The run included three wins, the USA (2 – 0), South Korea (3 – 0), and Hong Kong (6 – 0) and two draws, Ecuador (0 – 0) and China (0 – 0). They started the World Cup with a surprise win against Germany (2 – 1) but slipped (1 – 0) against Costa Rica.
Luis Enrique’s side has been one of the best performers winning against Costa Rica (7 – 0) and drawing against Germany (1 – 1). Spain came to the World Cup in fine form, winning four of the last seven games, Jordan (3 – 1), Portugal (1 – 0), Czech Republic (2 – 0), and Switzerland (1 – 0), drawing two; Portugal (1 – 1), Switzerland (2 – 2), and losing one; Switzerland (2 – 1).
Over/Under Market
| Match Result Betting | |
|---|---|
| Over 2.5 Goals | Under 2.5 Goals |
| 8/11 | 11/10 |
Spain has the artillery to make it a goal festival after overhauling seven goals against Costa Rica. Therefore, the Over 2.5 market is set at 8/11 while the Under 2.5 is set at 11/10.
Players to watch – Japan:
Maya Yoshida is the Japanese captain overflowing with experience as he has started every minute of the last two World Cups. The former Southampton defender will probably start against Spain, as he was in their games again. He has experience playing in the Bundesliga with Schalke and in Serie A with Sampdoria, which will be crucial with the high stakes of this game, as a win guarantee them qualification.
All the headlines will go to Japan’s counter-attacking demons like Mitoma, Doan and Asano, but thought this man was superb in the heart of defense. Maya Yoshida rolling back the years at 34 and captaining Japan to a historic result. pic.twitter.com/IL1XaOjeuA
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) November 23, 2022
Players to watch – Spain:
Pedri won the 2021 Golden Boy (best young player in Europe), taking the world by storm with incredible performances in the Euro 2020 and the Olympics. He has partnered with Barcelona teammate Gavi in the midfield emulating the Iniesta and Xavi midfield combo that has been yielding results for both club and country. The nineteen-year-old is one for the future but has been Spain’s best player and productive outlet going forward.
🎙️| Koke (Atletico Madrid) on Pedri and Gavi
🗣️: “Both of them are at a spectacular level given their age. You give them the ball and they don’t lose it. It’s spectacular to play alongside Pedri. Those of us who are older also learn from young people.” pic.twitter.com/6qbCawG6SH
— Barça Buzz (@Barca_Buzz) November 30, 2022
Match Prediction: Japan 0 – 4 Spain
Spain has been generous in scoring goals against the opposition, with their 7 – 0 thrashing of Costa Rica the highest goal margin win in the World Cup. We anticipate a high-scoring win for the La Rojas as they have been one of the best ball-playing teams in the competition, giving opponents little or no chance with the ball. A 4 – 0 win for Spain.
Japan v Spain, Group E, Khalifa International Stadium. Kick-off is at 7 pm (UK time).
Japan Squad:
Goalkeeper: Eiji Kawashima (Strasbourg), Shuichi Gonda (Shimizu S-Pulse), Daniel Schmidt (Sint-Truidense).
Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo (Tokyo), Maya Yoshida (Schalke 04), Hiroki Sakai (Urawa Red Diamonds), Shogo Taniguchi (Kawasaki Frontale), Miki Yamane (Kawasaki Frontale), Ko Itakura (Borussia Monchengladbach), Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal), Hiroki Ito (Stuttgart).
Midfielders: Gaku Shibasaki (Leganes), Wataru Endo (Stuttgart), Junya Ito (Reims), Takumi Minamino (Monaco), Hidemasa Morita (Sporting CP), Daichi Kamada (Eintracht Frankfurt), Yuki Soma (Nagoya Grampus), Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ritsu Doan (Freiburg), Ao Tanaka (Fortuna Dusseldorf), Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad).
Forwards: Takuma Asano (Bochum), Daizen Maeda (Celtic), Ayase Ueda (Cercle Brugge), Shuto Machino (Shonan Bellmare).
Spain Squad:
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), Robert Sanchez (Brighton & Hove Albion), David Raya (Brentford).
Defenders: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Hugo Guillamon (Valencia), Pau Torres (Villarreal), Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Jose Gaya (Valencia).
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Rodri Hernandez (Manchester City), Gavi (Barcelona), Carlos Soler (Paris St Germain), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Pedri Gonzalez (Barcelona), Koke Resurreccion (Atletico Madrid).
Forwards: Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Yeremi Pino (Villarreal), Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Pablo Sarabia (Paris St Germain), Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), Ansu Fati (Barcelona).
You can learn more about placing World Cup bets on our World Cup betting page. In addition, our World Cup fixtures page will bring you all the latest match previews and betting tips.
Fancy Yourself as an armchair manager? Check out our brand new World Cup squad builder we have created especially for the World Cup.
