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Japan vs Croatia Prediction & Betting Tips - World Cup
by Daniel Ngulu | in World Cup Predictions
Japan surprisingly finished top of Group E ahead of Spain and Germany while Croatia finished second in Group F behind underdogs Morocco. The two will thus face off in the round of 16 clash, seeking to advance for the quarter finals, as Croatia look to go one step further after their appearance in the final in Russia 2018 while Japan are targeting their first quarter final appearance at a FIFA World Cup. This match at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah presents them with that opportunity.
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The Best Betting Odds for Japan v Croatia Match
| Bookmaker | 1 | X | 2 | Bonus up to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3.8 | 3.25 | 2.05 |
|
|
4 | 3.25 | 2 |
|
|
3.9 | 3.34 | 2.1 |
|
|
3.9 | 3.34 | 2.1 |
|
|
3.7 | 3.2 | 2.15 |
|
|
3.78 | 3.24 | 2.08 |
|
|
3.78 | 3.24 | 2.08 |
|
|
3.9 | 3.34 | 2.1 |
|
|
3.89 | 3.45 | 2.11 |
|
|
3.75 | 3.25 | 2.05 |
|
|
3.9 | 3.25 | 2.1 |
|
|
3.95 | 3.25 | 2.1 |
|
|
3.75 | 3.2 | 2.1 |
|
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Japan beat all odds to top their group in the first round, and even after beating two former world champions, they will not enter this game as the favorites. The bookies are offering a solid 4.00 for a Japan win in this game, while a Croatia win is favored at odds of 2.13 and a draw priced at 3.44.
Japan - Croatia: Form Analysis
Japan did well at the group stage to top a pool that was branded the ‘group of death’, overcoming favorites Spain and Germany in an outcome that was truly something. Japan came from a goal down to beat Germany 2-1 in their opening game then repeated the feat against Spain on matchday 3. However, in between there was a 1-0 loss to minnows Costa Rica, who did not make it out of the group. Their loss to Costa Rica pushed one major message – that Japan aren’t consistent and could also struggle in matches. This isn’t to discount their quality as seen in their fightback against the two giants in their group. Japan have two wins and two losses in their last five matches but come into this game without a clean sheet in the last four games. They have conceded first in their last three matches and failed to score in two of their last five games. In this competition, Japan have scored all their four goals so far in the second half. This match will mark the third time Croatia meets Japan at the FIFA World Cup; the first was in 1998 and the second in 2006. The Croats will know Japan are the tournament’s giant killers and will want to deal with them with the ruthlessness they deserve. Of course, Croatia are in better form than Japan going into this game but they have to make it count here. Croatia drew in two of their three group matches but they carry to this game a nine-match unbeaten run, with six wins therein. Eight of the nine matches were in competitive action. They have three clean sheets in their last four matches. While Croatia have scored more than a goal in two of their last five matches, they come into this one having failed to score in two of five. They have lost just one game in their last 10 World Cup matches.
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Japan against Croatia Lineups: Starting 11
Formation : 3 - 4 - 3
Formation : 4 - 1 - 2 - 3
Japan & Croatia Squad Analysis
Japan have a lot of balancing action to do going into this game. Ko Itakura is out on suspension and manager Hajime Moriyasu cannot count on him. He is left with the viable option of sending in Takehiro Tomiyasu from the start, with the Arsenal defender proving to be an able deputy. Hiroki Sakai is back in training but it remains unclear if Moriyasu will want to use him here, while Takefusa Kubo reported muscular pain and is under observation. Wataru Endo should offer a great boost to Moriyasu after his appearance in the Spain game. On the other hand the Croatia manager hasn’t reported any injuries or illnesses and should be operating with a fully fit squad as he plans for this game. If his team were to progress, the big prayer the manager will have is for skipper Luka Modric and veteran defender Dejan Lovren to avoid yellow cards. The two are a card away from suspension and could potentially miss the quarter finals, if Croatia get there.
Most goals and assists
Japan
Croatia
R. Doan
(2 Goals)
L. Majer
(2 Goals)
,
A. Kramaric
(2 Goals)
K. Itakura
(1 Assists)
,
K. Mitoma
(1 Assists)
,
J. Ito
(1 Assists)
,
M. Yoshida
(1 Assists)
I. Perisic
(3 Assists)
Japan - Croatia Key Points
- Croatia have not lost in their last nine matches.
- Croatia have three clean sheets in the last four matches.
- Croatia have drawn two of their three World Cup matches so far.
- Japan have no clean sheet in their last four matches.
- Japan have failed to score in two of their last five matches.
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Our Japan vs Croatia Prediction
Japan have shown their mettle at the group stages but there is a general feeling they aren’t at the level to pull shockers in the knockout stages. They can be explosive though when they get their moments in the game and this is what Croatia will have to be wary about. Croatia on their part, go into this game with a nine-match unbeaten run and have done well defensively, keeping three clean sheets in four matches. Japan are underdogs here but after their efforts at the group stage they will want to cling on as much as they can and a draw at 90 minutes could pass here.
Japan vs Croatia - Other Interesting Predictions
Both teams to score
Croatia to win on post-match penalties
Japan vs Croatia match : Frequently asked questions
The forecast for Al Wakrah is cloudy with 25 degrees on the day of the Japan v Croatia game.
The Japan v Croatia game will be aired live for UK based fans on BBC One, but can also be streamed through BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website
The Japan v Croatia game will kick off at 15:00 GMT and 18:00 local time in Qatar.
The Japan v Croatia game will be played at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah.
In the quarters, the winner in the Japan v Croatia game will face the winner in the Round of 16 game pitting Brazil against South Korea.
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
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