The prediction of Japan and Croatia comes before the match of the World Cup Round of 16. This game will be played on December 5th at Al Janoub, Qatar. In this match overview, we bring you betting tips and accurate predictions of results based on the analysis of these two sides.
Japan vs Croatia Match Preview and Team News
Japan
Japan completed one of the weirdest sets of group stage results in World Cup history, but in the end, finished on top of the Group of Death ahead of Spain and Germany, setting up a date with Croatia in the Round of 16. Defeat to CONCACAF minnows Costa Rica was of no concern as comeback victories over the two European powers left them at the summit of Group E. They’ll take on the 2018 runners-up, who finished second in Group F behind surprise winners Morocco, as Belgium crashed out. Both of Japan’s victories in the group stage came on second-half comebacks after falling behind in the first half, so Croatia will need to take note if they do indeed go ahead early. Takuma Asano enjoys the field, and when he receives the ball and goes toward the goal, the opponent has problems because he passes through the defense like a fast train. Yuki Soma found the right role in the team, he moves great in the middle of the field, and it isn’t easy to take the ball away from this guy.
Croatia
Croatia was unbeaten in their group, beating Canada 4-1 while playing to scoreless draws with Belgium and Morocco. Their finale against Belgium, however, was worried as they were pummeled down the stretch, only saved by the horrid finishing of Romelu Lukaku. Most recently, Japan and Croatia played to a 0-0 draw at the 2006 World Cup, with both teams crashing out of the tournament in the group stage. Prior to that, Croatia won 1-0 in the 1998 World Cup, setting up Croatia’s second-place finish in the group while Japan ended up at the bottom. Nikola Vlasic shows talent, he has excellent ball control, can play in multiple positions, and every team needs such a player. Ivan Perisic is a guy who causes a lot of problems for the opponent on the left side. He is fast and unstoppable in a one-on-one game.
Japan vs Croatia Predicted Lineups
Japan: Gonda, Yamane, Itakura, Yoshida, Nagatomo, Tanaka, Morita, Doan, Kamada, Kubo, Maeda
Croatia: Livakovic, Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa, Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic, Kramaric, Livaja, Perisic.
Japan vs Croatia Betting Tips and Predictions
There are no favorites in this match, and we won’t be surprised if this clash could end in a draw.
This will be a big fight between these two rivals, and we should expect a goal from both teams.
Draw @ 3.20
BTTS Yes @ 2.00
Correct score 1:1 @ 6.50