Japan vs Spain will be a crucial Group E encounter in the FIFA World Cup 2022, which Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan, will host this Thursday (1st December) night.
After a stunning win against Germany by 2-1, Japan suffered a 1-0 defeat against Costa Rica.
On the other hand, Spain started this World Cup with a 7-0 win. Then, they drew against Germany with a 1-1 scoreline.
JPN vs SPN Match Details
Match: Japan vs Spain
Stage: Group (E)
Date: 1st December 2022 (Thursday)
Time: 22:00 local time/AST (UTC+3); 00:30 IST (next day)
Venue: Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan
JPN vs SPN Group F Scenarios
Both teams are eyeing winning this game to qualify for the Round of 16, while a defeat is likely to end their journey in this tournament.
While Spain would be even happy with a draw result to comfortably move to the next round, then Japan will have to watch out Costa Rica vs Germany match result, where the Asian team will exit from this tournament if Costa Rica win. However, a draw or Germany's victory will put Japan to the tie-breaking criteria (vs Costa Rica in a draw; vs Germany in their win).
While Japan will be clearly out of this tournament with another defeat, Spain can still have some chances despite a defeat in their last group stage game, but only if Costa Rica fail to beat Germany. Just like Japan in the case of a draw, the final group stage game loser Spain will also battle for the tie-breaking criteria if Costa Rica vs Germany match finishes with a draw result (tie-breaking criteria against Costa Rica) or Germany’s victory (tie-breaking criteria against Germany).
JPN vs SPN Match Preview
After stunning Germany, Japan missed out on their golden chance against Costa Rica. Now, the Asian giants once again have to beat the odds to reach the next round. While Japan aren’t overly dependent on a few players for goal-scoring opportunities, they haven’t played their true potential in this WC yet.
The young Spanish team is running full of confidence, who lost only once in 11 games in 2022 (7 wins and 3 draws). Luis Enrique’s boys are ready to inspire the nation with fearless football.
Recent Form (starting from the latest)
Japan (JPN): LWLDW
Spain (SPN): DWWWW
JPN vs SPN Team News
(Japan)
Tomiyasu Takehiro and Sakai Hiroki, both are struggling with hamstring injuries. However, the team is hoping to see them in the crucial forthcoming game.
Check here Japan’s Squad for FIFA World Cup 2022 & Team Profile and FIFA World Cup 2022: Japan - World Cup Records and Stats
(Spain)
All the Spanish players are reportedly fit for this upcoming match.
Check here Spain’s Squad for FIFA World Cup 2022 & Team Profile and FIFA World Cup 2022: Spain - World Cup Records and Stats
JPN vs SPN predicted starting lineups
Japan (JPN): Shūichi Gonda; Miki Yamane, Ko Itakura, Maya Yoshida (Captain), Yuto Nagatomo; Wataru Endo, Hidemasa Morita, Ritsu Dōan, Daichi Kamada, Takefusa Kubo; Takuma Asano
Spain (SPN): Unai Simón; Dani Carvajal, Pau Torres, Aymeric Laporte, Jordi Alba; Koke, Sergio Busquets (Captain), Pedri; Ferran Torres, Álvaro Morata, Dani Olmo
JPN vs SPN Dream11 Team Prediction
GK: U Simon (7.5 cr)
DEF: Y Nagatomo (8 cr), M Yoshida (8.5 cr), J Alba (9 cr), A Laporte (8.5 cr)
MID: D Olmo (8.5 cr), R Doan (8 cr), P Gavira (8 cr)
FW: A Morata (8.5 cr), T Asano (8.5 cr), F Torres (8.5 cr)
Vice-captain: F Torres
Captain: A Morata
Stay tuned to Fantasy Football and 2022 FIFA World Cup for upcoming matches and updates.
