It was called the group of death and it has justified its billing. We are into the final sets of matches and the top two spots are still up for grabs. Spain will take on Japan in a crucial match as the 2010 winners would want to advance through to Round 16 of the World Cup, Japan caused a massive upset when they beat Germany 2-1 in their WC opener.
Japan were then beaten 1-0 by Costa Rica and hence, have everything to play for in this game against Spain.
Japan vs Spain FIFA World Cup Teams
Japan
Japan have a few injury concerns ahead of this match. The two defenders, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Hiroki Sakai might not feature in this match as they are currently injured with their respective hamstring injuries.
Apart from these absentees, Wataru Endo could well be missing from this game.
Japan Predicted Starting XI: Gonda; Yamane, Itakura, Yoshida, Nagatomo; Tanaka, Morita; Doan, Asano, Kubo; Maeda
Spain
Spain too could make few tweaks in this game. Gavi has not been seen in training and this could well mean that he could miss this match against Japan.
Apart from Gavi, Sergio Busquets’ participation is also under the scanner ahead of this game since he is just one card away from getting a suspension. We could see Rodri moving to midfield and Pau Torres or Eric Garcia getting the starting nod.
Spain Predicted Starting XI: Simon; Carvajal, P. Torres, Laporte, Alba; Koke, Rodri, Pedri; F. Torres, Morata, Olmo
Japan vs Spain Head-to-Head and key numbers
- Spain have won the only match they have played against Japan.
- The last time these two sides locked horns in an international friendly, the match saw Spain win the match 1-0 in April 2001.
- In eight of their last nine group games, Spain have won their final game. In the last match, the match ended in a 2-2 stalemate in Morocco, 2018.
- Japan have lost three of their last four matches at the FIFA World Cup.
Japan vs Spain Fantasy Football Team
- Captain: Pedri
- Vice Captain: Alvaro Morata
- Goalkeeper: Simon
- Defenders: Carvajal, P. Torres, Laporte, Alba
- Midfielders: Rodri, Kubo, Pedri
- Forwards: F. Torres, Morata, Asano
Japan vs Spain: Live streaming, details
- Kick-off date: Friday, December 2
- Kick-off time: 12:30 am
- Venue: Al Bayt Stadium
- Live Telecast: Sports18 SD/HD
- Live streaming: JioCinema (App & Website)
Japan vs Spain Prediction
There is enough pedigree in Spain’s squads and they remain one of the favourites to go all the way and repeat the feat of 2010. Although, Japan stunned Germany in the first match, they were brought back down by Costa Rica. Spain are overwhelming favourites and should win this match 2-0.
