The final set of group stage matches in the 2022 World Cup will be crucial in deciding the last 16 places with these Japan vs. Spain predictions crucial in Group E. Luis Enrique’s side have impressed so far in Qatar and Japan secured one of the shocks of the tournament with a 2-1 win over Germany.
Japan vs. Spain odds
1 – Spain to win at – 3/8
2 – Spain over 1.5 total goals – 23/10
3 – Total goals scored over 2.5 – 13/18
4 – Both teams to score – 27/25
5 – Spain to win 2-1 at – 9/1
Luis Enrique’s Spain have been one of the most impressive sides at the 2022 World Cup with a dominant showing in the opening round of games.
La Roja set a new national World Cup record as they thrashed Costa Rica 7-0 in Al Thumama with six different scorers for Enrique to set down a marker against their tournament rivals in the Middle East.
However, on the flip side, Japan’s 2-1 opening win over Germany was one of the shocks of Qatar 2022, as they picked off the four times winners in Doha.
Japan need something after losing to Costa Rica to secure a knockout spot but Spain are justifiably strong favourites to win this game.
Alongside their dominant victory over Costa Rica, Enrique’s side have lost just once in 10 games in 2022, with Japan losing three of their last ten matches.
Within that run of games, Spain have managed to score over 1.5 goals inside 90 minutes of action in six matches from 10, with six of those 10 also featuring over 2.5 total goals scored by both sides.
Japan’s performance against Germany will give them confidence in threatening Spain in this one, with Spain keeping a clean sheet in just three of their last eight games, and Japan on target in three of their last five matches.
That lack of defensive firmness may be an issue for Spain in the latter stages of the tournament if they proceed, and Japan have shown an ability to exploit goalscoring opportunities.
Spain will be expectant of having enough to get through this tie with a win as Enrique awaits his fate in the next round in Qatar.
How to stream Japan vs. Spain
You can watch Japan vs. Spain live on ITV and online around the world.
Japan vs. Spain last five matches
Japan last five matches
Spain last five matches
Japan top World Cup goalscorers
| Player | Total goals |
|---|---|
| 2 | |
| 1 | |
| 1 | |
| 1 | |
| 0 |
Spain top World Cup goalscorers
| Player | Total goals |
|---|---|
| 3 | |
| 2 | |
| 1 | |
| 1 | |
| 1 |
Japan vs. Spain line-ups
Japan (4-2-3-1) Gonda; Nagatomo, Yoshida, Itakura, Sakai; Tanaka, Endo; Mitoma, Minamino, Ito; Maeda
Spain (4-3-3): Simon; Alba, Laporte, Rodri, Azpilicueeta; Gavi, Busquets, Pedri; Torres, Torres, Asensio, Olmo
Japan team news
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu is likely to reshuffle his starting eleven for their final game with some interesting options in line to come in and bolster Japan’s options. Former Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino is set to return alongside Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma.
Spain team news
Enrique is set to maintain faith with the bulk of the same starting side that has stood out for Spain so far in Qatar, with Manchester City pair Rodri Hernandez and Aymeric Laporte forming an unexpected centre back partnership for La Roja.