Japan vs. Croatia - Betting tips, predictions, and odds
The first of two Rounds of 16 games at the FIFA World Cup scheduled for Monday, December 5, will be played between Japan and Croatia at Al Janoub Stadium. Don't forget to read the best Japan vs. Croatia betting tips and predictions.
H2H, form, and stats
Japan and Croatia have met on two occasions before, and each time it was at the World Cup. Croatia was better 1-0 in 1998 in France, while the teams played a scoreless draw in Germany in 2006.
Japan made two massive upsets at this World Cup in Qatar. After beating Germany 2-1 in Round 1, they managed to beat Spain 2-1 in Round 3 and secure a top spot in the group, which was unimaginable prior to the tournament.
Each time, the Samurai Blue came from behind to get three points. This is the fourth time Japan qualified for the knockout stage at the WC - they never reached the quarter-finals. Hajime Moriyasu’s men scored four goals in three games here in Qatar. Ritsu Doan netted two, while Takuma Asano and Ao Tanaka scored one apiece. Japan has five wins in the previous ten matches (D2, L3).
Croatia didn't top its group after playing a pair of 0-0 games against Morocco and Belgium. Still, they managed to eliminate Belgium with that draw, and thanks to a comfortable 4-1 victory over Canada in Round 2, advanced to the Round of 16 for the third time in their 6th appearance at the World Cup.
Interestingly, Vatreni won medals each time they played in the knockout phase! Zlatko Dalić’s side has the joint-best defense in the tournament as it allowed just a goal, and Japan failed to score against them in both H2H meetings. Andrej Kramarić leads the team with a couple of goals, while Ivan Perišić registered two assists. Croatia is now unbeaten in nine games (W6, D3).
Injuries and squad news
Defender Ko Itakura, who played all three group matches and didn't miss a single minute and even recorded an assist, is not available against Croatia. He received two yellow cards and will have to sit this one out due to suspension. Takehiro Tomiyasu is the one who can get into the starting XI for Itakura. Tomiyasu plays as the right-back for Arsenal, but he’s more than capable of playing in a center-back role.
Zlatko Dalić doesn't have any injury or suspension-related concerns as all of his players are ready to go. Perišić, Livaja, and Kramarić should continue in the attack with Modrić, Kovačić, and Brozović in the middle of the park. Joško Gvardiol, who is one of the best Croatian players at the World Cup and the most deserving for allowing just a goal so far, will lead the back four alongside Dejan Lovren.
Betting predictions and odds
Croatia is a favorite at 2.05 odds. Japan can be backed at 3.78, while a draw is 3.32. Neither of the two H2H duels produced more than a goal, and considering how Croatia is playing defensively, the bookies offer 2.32 odds on Over 2.5 goals and 1.60 odds on Under 2.5 goals.
Our best tip for Japan vs. Croatia game
Despite that sturdy Croatia’s defense, the Japanese showed they can not only be competitive against the strongest teams in the world but also beat them. The Samurai Blue interestingly failed to score against Costa Rica, one of the weakest teams in the tournament but scored four against Germany and Spain.
They are extremely dangerous in transition and counters and can exploit the fact that Croatia’s defense is not particularly fast. We’re backing the Japanese to score here, while we also think Croatia shouldn't have problems scoring on the other end. It’s going to be an interesting tilt.
Claim 100% up to 122 euro Welcome Bonus with 22Bet
#1
Welcome Bonus
Use promo code PTVIP
100% up to €122
Japan vs. Croatia: Where to watch? Date, hour, and TV schedule
- FIFA World Cup
- Venue: Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah)
- Monday, December 5, 2022,
- 4 PM CET
To check the full TV schedule visit https://www.protipster.com/football-live-stream.
