Japan U23 vs Spain U23 Predictions

Japan U23 vs Spain U23 predictions for this Olympic Games quarter-final contest in Lyon. Japan’s men’s football team, with a perfect record at the Paris 2024 Olympics, face Spain in Friday’s quarter-final at Groupama Stadium, Lyon. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Olympic Games Men’s Football | Quarter-Finals | Aug 2, 2024 at 4pm UK at Parc Olympique Lyonnais

Japan U23 vs Spain U23 Predictions

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Can Japan Maintain Their Perfect Record Against Spain in a Quarter-Final Thriller?

The stage is set for a high-stakes encounter at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon as Japan and Spain face off in the quarter-finals of the Paris 2024 Olympics men’s football tournament. Japan have been in scintillating form, winning all their group matches, while Spain secured their place in the knockout stages as runners-up in their group.

Match Preview

Japan have been outstanding in the tournament so far, demonstrating their class by topping Group D with maximum points. They have been dominant, notching up seven goals and conceding none. Their campaign started with a resounding 5-0 victory over Paraguay, followed by hard-fought wins against Mali and Israel. Go Oiwa’s team have shown both attacking flair and defensive solidity, making them a formidable opponent.

Spain’s journey has been more tumultuous. After securing wins against Uzbekistan and the Dominican Republic, they stumbled against Egypt, losing 2-1. This defeat saw them finish second in Group C, setting up a challenging quarter-final against Japan. Despite the setback, Spain’s squad, brimming with talent, is more than capable of turning things around.

Team News and Expected Lineups

Japan's manager, Go Oiwa, is likely to field a similar lineup to the one that has brought success so far. Rihito Yamamoto, who scored in the opening matches, should retain his place despite being substituted at halftime against Israel. Mao Hosoya, the hero against Israel, might also be pushing for a start. The expected Japanese lineup is:

Japan (4-2-3-1):
Kokubo; Nishio, Suzuki, Kimura, Uchino; Yamamoto, Kawasaki; Yamada, Hosoya, Sato; Fujio

For Spain, head coach Santi Denia will welcome back Pau Cubarsi from suspension. Key players like Alex Baena, Fermin Lopez, and Eric Garcia, who were rested against Egypt, are expected to return to the starting XI. Spain's probable lineup is:

Spain (4-3-3):
Tenas; Sanchez, Cubarsi, Garcia, Miranda; Lopez, Barrios, Baena; Oroz, Ruiz, Gomez

Tactical Analysis and Key Battles

The midfield battle will be crucial, with Japan's Yamamoto and Kawasaki likely to face Spain's Lopez and Barrios. Japan's wingers, particularly Yamada and Hosoya, will look to exploit the flanks and stretch Spain's defence. On the other side, Spain's attackers, Ruiz and Gomez, will aim to breach Japan's sturdy defence, which has yet to concede a goal.

Japan's defensive organisation and quick transitions will be pivotal. They have shown a knack for scoring late goals, indicating their resilience and fitness levels. Spain, however, will rely on their technical prowess and ball control to dictate the tempo and create scoring opportunities.

Expected Gameplay

Japan will likely adopt a cautious yet proactive approach, focusing on solid defensive structure and quick counter-attacks. Spain, with their possession-based style, will aim to dominate the ball and create chances through patient build-up play. The match promises to be a tactical duel, with both teams looking to exploit their strengths while nullifying the other's key players.

Key Statistics

Japan's average BettingTips4You Expert Rating ranks them second out of 16 teams in the competition, highlighting their impressive form. They have averaged 2.3 goals per game and maintained a clean sheet in all matches. Their passing accuracy stands at 86.5%, with significant contributions from their midfielders and defenders.

Spain, ranked sixth, have averaged two goals per game but have conceded four times. Their passing accuracy is slightly higher at 90%, reflecting their possession-oriented style. However, their defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed, especially in the loss to Egypt.

Critical Assessment

Japan have been almost flawless, but their late goals suggest a tendency to rely on fitness and resilience. This strategy could be tested against Spain's possession game. However, Japan's solid defence and ability to score crucial goals make them a tough opponent.

Spain, despite their talent, have shown defensive frailties and a lack of consistency. Their reliance on a few key players might be a weakness if Japan can disrupt their rhythm. Denia's tactical adjustments will be crucial in overcoming Japan's well-drilled side.

Managerial Analysis

Go Oiwa's tactical acumen has been evident in Japan's balanced and disciplined performances. His ability to adapt and make timely substitutions has been key to their success. In contrast, Santi Denia's Spain have struggled with consistency and defensive errors. Denia's decision to rest players against Egypt backfired, and his ability to rally his team will be tested.

Betting Angles and Predictions

Best Bet: Draw The tight nature of knockout football and both teams' strengths suggest a closely contested match. Japan's defensive solidity and Spain's attacking flair could result in a balanced encounter, making a draw a likely outcome.

Correct Score Prediction: 1-1 Draw Reflecting the expected balance, a 1-1 draw seems plausible. Japan's defence is strong but not impenetrable, while Spain's attack, despite its quality, has shown vulnerabilities.

Goalscorer Prediction: Shota Fujio to Score Fujio has been in fine form for Japan, and his ability to find space and finish chances makes him a strong candidate to score. His movement and positioning will be key against Spain's defence.

First Half Result: Draw Both teams are likely to approach the first half cautiously, feeling each other out and focusing on not conceding early. This makes a draw at halftime a probable outcome.

Innovative Market: Total Team Shots on Target Over 6.5 Both teams' attacking tendencies and their shot averages make this an intriguing market. Japan's average of 4.3 shots on target per game and Spain's 6.3 indicate a high likelihood of surpassing this threshold.

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