On Thursday night, Japan and Spain clash in Group E of the World Cup, with both teams looking to seal their place in the knockout stages of the competition.
Japan form guideThe Blue Samurai could not have endured more mixed fortunes in Qatar if they had tried. They kicked off their World Cup campaign with a surprise 2-1 win over Germany. However, last time out, they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Costa Rica, who are considered the weakest team in the group.
Japan head into this gameweek three clash in second place in the group. A victory would guarantee their passage to the last 16 of the competition. However, a draw coupled with an unlikely draw between Costa Rica and Germany would also take them through to the knockout stages.
Spain form guideLa Roja are in pole position to qualify for the last 16 as group winners. Luis Enrique’s team kicked off their World Cup campaign by recording a 7-0 hammering of Costa Rica. However, a 1-1 draw against Germany delayed their qualification for the knockout stages.
A victory would ensure they not only qualify for the last 16 but also win the group. A draw would see them qualify for the knockout stages but not necessarily as group winners.
La Roja has been in decent form of late, as the draw against Germany makes them four games unbeaten. However, the draw also ended a three-game winning run for Enrique’s team.
Latest team newsJapan could be without versatile veteran Hiroki Sakai, who went off injured in the game against Germany. Miki Yamane could continue to fill his position.
Full-back Jose Gaya remains sidelined through injury for Spain. Striker Alvaro Morata has scored off the bench in the opening two group games. He may be rewarded with a start in this one.
What am I backing?Japan has shown both sides of their game in Qatar in their two group games. Spain will be confident of recording a victory, and I am backing Luis Enrique’s team to come out on top.
