Japan – Croatia Prediction Prediction and Tips for today
Best soccer tips for today WORLD CUP – Japan – Croatia Prediction Prediction and Tips for today, December 5, 2022.
Football: WORLD CUP – PLAY OFFS – 1/8-FINALS
Kick-off: 16:00 Japan – Croatia
Tip: Over 1.5 Goals
Odds: 1.41
Bookmaker: Bet365
Match Result: 1:1 WON!!!
Match Preview Japan – Croatia Prediction
- Upsetting the pre-tournament odds, Japan made it to the last 16 as Group E winners thanks to their 2-1 win over Spain on Thursday. In doing so, they became just the third nation in World Cup history to win two different games at a single tournament in which they were losing at half-time, after Brazil in 1938 and West Germany in 1970.
- Both those teams reached the semi-finals and the Samurai Blue won’t mind going behind once again if the same eventually leads to another victory, particularly as they search for their first-ever World Cup quarter-final appearance. These turnabouts have been in large thanks to the in-game management of manager Hajime Moriyasu, with Japan’s four goals so far coming via contributions from substitutes (G3, A1).
- Runners-up in 2018, Croatia have been unconvincing so far but a goalless draw against Belgium on Thursday was enough to see them qualify second from Group F with an unbeaten record (W1, D2). Coach Zlatko Dalić admitted his side was “lucky” against Belgium as they produced a meek display, especially in the first half where, for the second time in the tournament, neither side managed a shot on target before half-time. It was also their second goalless draw of this edition; Croatia had only drawn a blank in two of their 13 previous World Cup matches before coming to Qatar.
- In both of the previous editions in which they made it out of the groups, Croatia reached the final four, so there is a rich legacy to protect for this group of players. There is usually plenty of drama en route to the latter stages for the Vatreni too, as three of their last four World Cup knockout games have gone to extra-time and all three of those saw them go behind before eventually winning.
- Players to watch: Despite coming on as a substitute, Ritsu Dōan sparked Japan’s comeback in both of their wins by netting their first goal. Goals have been at a premium for Croatia but Luka Modrić might change that, and his three previous World Cup contributions (G2, A1) came in wins.
- Hot stat: Eight of Croatia’s last 13 matches, as well as the previous three H2Hs, were goalless at the break.
- World Cup trivia: Only six players have represented two different countries at a World Cup; Two of those played for Croatia in 1998.
Related 10bet Predictions and Tips:
Match Preview: Switzerland U19 - Latvia U19 Prediction and Betting Tips | EURO U19 - QUALIFICATION
Match Preview: Halstenbek-Rellingen - Tornesch Prediction and Betting Tips | OBERLIGA HAMBURG
Match Preview: Maccabi Jaffa - Nes Tziona Prediction and Betting Tips | LEUMIT LEAGUE
Match Preview: Juventus - Genoa Prediction and Betting Tips | SERIE A