Japan vs Sweden Predictions
Japan impressed in their win against Tunisia, while Sweden’s confidence took a hit in a heavy defeat against the Netherlands.
I fancy the Asians to win, while we can also expect both teams on the scoresheet.
Japan In Form
- Japan won 7 of their last 8 matches
- Sweden lost 5 of their last 9 matches (competitive fixtures)
- Sweden have seen BTTS in their last 8 matches
Sweden and Japan Set For Second Encounter
Japan and Sweden will meet for the first time on Thursday.
Japan Thrash Tunisia
Japan face their final Group F fixture after an impressive 4-0 win against Tunisia last week. Ayase Ueda stole the headlines with the Feyenoord striker bagging twice in a dominant victory for the Samurai Blue.
The Japanese showed their attacking quality against Tunisia, with their pace, movement and technical quality proving too much for the North Africans. The Samurai Blue finished with an xG of 2.13 while they limited the Africans to just two efforts and a final xG of 0.05.
Hajime Moriyasu’s impressive side had already claimed a creditable 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their opening fixture and now sit level with the Dutch on four points.
Japan now require only a draw to secure second place in the group, while they could finish top if they secure a better result than the Dutch in their fixture against Tunisia.
Sweden Hammered by the Netherlands
Sweden make the trip to Dallas after a punishing 5-1 defeat against the Netherlands. Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo both bagged twice as the Dutch ran riot at NRG Stadium.
The Blue and Yellow had made a flying start to the tournament with a 5-1 win against Tunisia, but were badly exposed by the Dutch in their second Group F fixture.
The Dutch exposed Sweden’s limited defence with five goals coming from just ten efforts on Kristoffer Nordfeldt’s goal.
Graham Potter’s side have shown plenty of attacking quality, with Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Yasin Ayari impressing in the forward areas.
Defensive vulnerability remains a major concern, though. Sweden have scored 17 goals under Potter, but conceded 19 in the same period.
Squads and Team News
Japan Squad
Goalkeepers: Zion Suzuki, Keisuke Osako, Tomoki Hayakawa
Defenders: Yukinari Sugawara, Shogo Taniguchi, Ko Itakura, Yuto Nagatomo, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Ayumu Seko, Hiroki Ito, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Junnosuke Suzuki
Midfielders: Ao Tanaka, Takefusa Kubo, Ritsu Doan, Keito Nakamura, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Kaishu Sano
Forwards: Shuto Machino, Keisuke Goto, Daizen Maeda, Yuito Suzuki, Ayase Ueda, Koki Ogawa, Kento Shiogai
Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu is unlikely to make changes from the side that impressed against Tunisia. Ayase Ueda will continue to lead the Asian’s attack after his brace last time out.+
Moriyasu expressed his delight after the easy win against Tunisia.
“It was our second game of the World Cup, a match of high tension, and one that people all over the world were watching. I am very happy that we were able to secure a victory in such a game,” he said.
"As a team, seeing players pick up injuries is, of course, highly regrettable and a painful blow. However, we have built this squad around the concept of whoever steps onto the pitch can win, and whoever partners up can function effectively."
Sweden Squad
Goalkeepers: Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, Viktor Johansson, Kristoffer Nordfeldt
Defenders: Gustaf Lagerbielke, Victor Lindelof, Isak Hien, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Herman Johansson, Daniel Svensson, Hjalmar Ekdal, Carl Starfelt, Eric Smith, Elliot Stroud
Midfielders: Lucas Bergvall, Benjamin Nygren, Ken Sema, Jesper Karlstrom, Yasin Ayari, Mattias Svanberg, Alexander Bernhardsson, Besfort Zeneli
Forwards: Alexander Isak, Anthony Elanga, Viktor Gyokeres, Gustaf Nilsson, Taha Ali
Sweden boss Graham Potter is likely to make some changes after the heavy defeat against the Netherlands. Anthony Elanga is pushing for a start after impressing from the bench, while Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall is also tipped to earn a recall.
Speaking to the media ahead of Thursday’s clash, Potter discussed the need for improvements in his inconsistent side.
"We have to be compact as a team defensively," Potter said. "I think with Japan, because of their coordination, because of their organisation, because of how synchronised they are, if the pitch is big and we're defending big areas, then it's going to be a tough day.
"We have to make sure that we're compact, and I think that's going to be the case for the tournament, however long we get to, because all the teams are going to be good."