Japan vs Croatia Prediction on December 5, 2022

Match info

This Monday’s matchup (December 5) between one of the surprise group stage teams, Japan, and Croatia, at the men’s football 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar could be closer than some might anticipate. That’s the standpoint reflected in odds of online sportsbooks with betting bonuses. The Round of 16 encounter will start at 6 p.m. local & Moscow time at the Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah).

Meeting statistics

The current form of Japan

One of the 2022 World Cup’s top stories has been Japan’s advancement to the round of 16. Few predicted that the ‘Samurai Blue’ would advance from a group that included contained two former world champions Spain and Germany. However, after defeating them both, Hajime Moriyasu’s team will now play Croatia.

Japan defeated Spain on Thursday thanks to an outstanding defensive effort, and similar strategies may be employed today. In that game, they were able to take advantage of the limited opportunities they created, but this one might require additional time and even penalties.

For this match, Moriyasu could use the same 3-4-3 system that was successful against Spain. But if they are required to defend in the same manner, it will generally seem more like a 5-4-1. While he has rotated his starting lineup throughout the tournament, Ko Itakura will need to be replaced here after receiving a second yellow card. Ritsu Dōan, who has performed well as a substitute thus far, might start against Croatia.

The current form of Croatia

Croatia advanced to this stage as a result of two scoreless draws that came before and after their 4-1 hammering of Canada. The draw after 90 minutes sounds like fair value because Zlatko Dalić’s team wouldn’t be surprised to be content to keep Japan at a distance here as well.

The Croatian team has a wealth of experience, and after making the final in Russia four years ago, they are fully aware of what it takes to advance in this competition. As certain players retired, many believed that would mark the end of the team’s success. But they showed in Qatar that they are still capable of performing well.

As his Croatia team attempts to get through a resolute Japanese defense, Dalić will stick with a familiar starting lineup and show considerable patience. However, there might be a change up front. When he entered the game against Belgium with 30 minutes remaining, Bruno Petković was more animated than Marko Livaja, and he might be given the opportunity to start on Monday.

Match analytics

Because of Japan’s strong defense, the draw appears to be a good wager for this match, and it’s unlikely that there will be many goals scored at the Al Janoub Stadium either. Expect Croatia’s nerves to hold and put an end to the hopes of a Japan team that has mesmerized viewers all over the world if it goes get to overtime and penalties.

Best bet: Draw with odds of 3.28 at SapphireBet.

Results of the forecast

Successful forecast. Japan vs Croatia 1(1):1(3)