SPAIN VS JAPAN
European giants Spain will face Asian tigers Japan today in Group E. Tigers are the epitome of Japan.
Because they managed to defeat mighty Germany in the first match. If we can put up the same performance today, getting into the pre-quarters is not impossible. If they can beat Spain today, they will be the group champions. A draw would be a slim chance for them.
Germany can only secure a knockout if they win by more than one goal, draw or lose against Costa Rica. On the other hand, if they lose to Spain, they will be out of the World Cup. Spain, on the other hand, comes without any major headaches. Spain will only have to fear if Japan and Germany lose to Costa Rica in this match. Otherwise, they need to lose to Japan and Germany beat Costa Rica by six or seven goals to close the door on Spain. Otherwise, a draw would be enough to secure the knockout for the Spanish side.
Either way, Enrique and his team can look to make it to the knockout stages as group champions with a decent win. They are currently in the top spot with 4 points from 2 matches. Barring miracles, there is no doubt that Spain will reach the pre-quarters. Anyway, let's wait and see.
WIN PROBABILITY
Spain :- 69%
Japan :- 11%
Draw :- 20%
MATCH SCHEDULE
Date:- 2/12/2022
Time:- 12.30 AM (IST)
Venue:- Khalifa International Stadium
INSIGHTS
1) Spain won their only meeting with Japan in all competitions, winning 1–0 in a friendly in April 2001.
2) Despite being knocked out on penalties by the Korean Republic in 2002, Spain is unbeaten in their previous five FIFA World Cup matches against the Asian opposition (W3 D2).
3) Apart from a 2-2 draw with Morocco in 2018, Spain has won eight of their last nine matches at the FIFA World Cup in their final group game.
4) Having lost three of their last four World Cup matches (W1) and their previous nine matches at the tournament (W3 D3), Japan will be looking to keep from failing to score in back-to-back World Cup matches for the first time since. 1998 (against Argentina and Croatia).
5) Spain is now unbeaten in their last seven matches at the World Cup (W3 D4) - only once in their history have they gone more runs in a match without defeat (10 matches between 1998 and 2006).
