A thrilling end to Group E after Japan replicated their first game heroics against Spain to secure first place in the group. On the other hand, Croatia secured second place in Group F after drawing 0-0 against Belgium in their last game of the group. These two countries have faced each other twice in previous FIFA World Cup editions, once in 2006, which resulted in a 0-0 draw and another time in 1998, when Croatia won 1-0.
Taking a look at the FIFA rankings, Croatia is ranked 12th whilst Japan is ranked in 24th place, a rating that will surely be revised and improved after this FIFA World Cup.
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JAPAN
No one would have thought that Japan would win the Group when Spain and Germany were contesting that same group, but that’s the beauty of football. The only issue with the performances is that when they are up against a team that sits deep, they find it difficult to break through as they did against Costa Rica. During the game against Germany and Spain, Japan managed to score twice, turning the game on its head and held on to the result.
Going up against Croatia, who loves to dictate the tempo of the game, will suit Japan as they will sit tight, absorb and hit lethally as they did against Germany and Spain. Hajime Moriyasu will be delighted with his side’s ability to overcome teams that are better than them on paper and hope that they continue in an upward trajectory.
Japan are priced at 3/2 (2.50) to qualify to the next round of knockout stages with a correct score of 2-1 at 13/2 (7.50). Ao Tanaka is priced at 15/2 (8.50) to score anytime during the match.
CROATIA
Although not as impressive as the performances in 2018 in the FIFA World Cup in Russia, Croatia are through to the knockout stage against a tough nut to crack in the form of Japan. In the opening games, Croatia looked sluggish in the final third. Although against Canada, they managed to score four in the other games, they struggled to convert their chances.
Looking ahead to the game against Japan, the midfield trio of Luka Modric, Kovacic and Brozovic will play a key role in keeping the ball and picking up runs in behind made by Perisic. The defence needs to be wary that Japan occasionally will press them high and try to pinch the ball high up in the pitch.
A Croatia win of 2-0 is priced at 21/5 (5.20), with Luka Modric to score anytime during the match at 14/5 (3.80). Croatia to score the first goal of the game at 3/4 (1.75).
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Croatia are the favourites to win the match at 21/20 (2.05), with Japan to continue on their impressive run at 3/1 (4.00) and a draw at 12/5 (3.40)
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*Odds subject to change. Odds correct at time of publishing