The first round of action from the 2022 World Cup includes some exciting fixtures and these Germany vs. Japan predictions form part of Group E in Qatar. Hansi Flick’s side take on Japan in Al Rayyan just a few hours before group rivals Spain and Costa Rica face off in Al Khor.
Germany vs. Japan odds
1 – Germany to win at – 13/25
2 – Germany over 1.5 total goals – 4/7
3 – Total goals scored over 2.5 – 8/11
4 – Both teams to score – 17/20
5 – Germany to win 2-1 at – 17/2
Hansi Flick takes Germany to his first major tournament at the helm after replacing Joachim Low after Euro 2020.
Germany are the second most successful side in World Cup history after Brazil, but they have won just one title since 1990, thanks to Mario Gotze’s winner against Argentina in 2018.
They are expected to drive on into the knockout stages in Qatar in the coming weeks and Flick will want to start on a positive note against Japan.
Since the start of summer, Germany have won twice from seven games, and avoided UEFA Nations League relegation thanks to a win over Italy and a draw against old foes England at Wembley Stadium.
However, despite their form being a little inconsistent in recent months, Flick will be confident of continuing their strong World Cup opener record – with seven wins from their last eight first group games.
That may appear a little harsh on Japan. But they have won just twice in six World Cup opening games, and they have not played a competitive game since March.
Germany have only failed to score once in eight from nine games in 2022, and after a streak of three 1-1 draws in summer, they rediscovered their scoring touch.
Nine goals in their last four games, including scoring over 1.5 themselves, indicates goals in this tie, with Japan managing that in two of their last six games ahead of the World Cup. They will be confident of at least getting on the scoresheet in Al Rayyan.
A win for Germany will place even more importance on their second group stage clash against Spain, with the pair tipped to battle it out for top spot in Group E.
How to stream Germany vs. Japan
You can watch Germany vs. Japan live on Wednesday afternoon on a variety of broadcasters around the world – as well as online.
Germany vs. Japan last five matches
Germany last five matches
Oman 0-1 Germany
England 3-3 Germany
Germany 0-1 Hungary
Germany 5-2 Italy
Hungary 1-1 Germany
Japan last five matches
Canada 2-1 Japan
Japan 0-0 Ecuador
Japan 2-0 USA
Japan 3-0 South Korea
Japan 0-0 South Korea
Germany top World Cup qualification goalscorers
Ilkay Gundogan – 5
Serge Gnabry – 5
Timo Werner – 5
Leroy Sane – 4
Kai Havertz – 3
Japan top World Cup qualification goalscorers
Takumi Minamino -10
Yuva Osako – 10
Junva Ito – 6
Daichi Kamada -3
Takuma Asana – 3
Germany vs. Japan line-ups
Germany (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Raum, Sule, Rudiger, Kehrer; Kimmich, Gundogan; Sane, Musiala, Gnabry; Havertz
Japan (4-2-3-1): Kawashima; Nagatomo, Tomiyasu, Yoshida, Sakai; Endo, Morita; Kubo, Kamada, Mitoma; Asano
Germany team news
Flick is set to reinstall Bayern Munich star Manuel Neuer as captain and starting No.1 after injury issues during the last international window. Antonio Ruidger is also back in the fold, with Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry offering one of the best attacking lineups in Qatar.
Japan team news
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu has some eye-catching talent in his squad, including Kaoru Mitoma and Takefusa Kubo leading his attack. He will look to balance his young stars with seasoned experience in defence and Arsenal star Takehiro Tomiyasu looks set to switch to centre back.