2018 World Cup Odds and Prediction: Japan Team Betting Preview
-
David Bastl
World Cup Japan Betting Odds
Currently, Japan is ranked 60th in the FIFA world ranking coming off Asia’s group B win ahead of Australia and Saudi Arabia. Their best finish at the World Cup was the round of 16, achieving this in 2002, and more recently 2010. They are now managed by Akira Nishino, a former national team player, their captain is Makoto Hasebe. Sports Interaction currently has Japan paying +675 to advance out of the group, and +25500 to win the World Cup.
Japan Players to Watch
Keep an eye on veteran midfielder Shinji Kagawa who plays his club season in Germany with Borussia Dortmund. With 89 caps to his credit, he is arguably Japan’s most gifted player in the country’s history. The national star anchors a midfield with Keisuka Honda and Makoto Hasebe as the highlight of this team’s biggest strength. Also, Fox Sports soccer reporter John Duerden called defender Yuto Nagamoto, “Asia’s most unrated player”. Nagamoto is Japan’s best defensive player.
Japan World Cup Formation and Projected Starting 11
The projected formation for Japan is a 4-2-3-1 attack, with Eiji Kawashima; Hiroki Sakai, Maya Yoshida, Tomoaki Makino, Yuto Nagatomo; Makoto Hasebe, Hotaru Yamaguchi; Keisuke Honda, Shinji Kagawa, Genki Haraguchi; Yuya Osako likely to be the starting 11.
Japan Strengths
All things considered, Japan does have a strong veteran presence that will see plenty of action in this World Cup. Also, the country’s fan base travels well, so don’t be surprised if Japan gets a lot of support during the tournament.
Japan Weaknesses
Although they are happy to be there, three games is all they will see at this year’s tournament. Simply put, they are outclassed at every position versus the competition in group H. Compared to recent Japan teams, this is a limited squad. Recent play hasn’t treated this country well, in their last ten games, Japan is underwhelming 5-5.
Japan News
Many soccer experts were surprised to see Takima Asano of Arsenal, and Leeds United’s Yosuke Ideguchi among the players cut when Japan announced their final 23-man squad. Coach Akira Nishino opted for experience over youth. “There are a lot of players who helped us get to Russia, a lot of players who are doing well at the moment, and a lot of players who are going to become great in the future,” Nishino said.
Japan Betting Prediction
Japan is forecasted to finish fourth in Group H. The best-case scenario for this team is to grab a tie in the group stage. Look for Japan to play under the game totals. There is a good possibility that this national team could be shutout in one of their three group games. It’s hard to say how they will play under new manager Akira Nishino – because they have played only one game with the new manager (2-1 loss to Ghana).
Forwards Shinji Okazaki, Yuya Osako, Yoshinori Muto are the most likely goal scorers for the Samurai Blue. Strikers Shinji Okazaki and Keisuke Honda are the only players listed with odds at Sports Interaction to win the Golden Shoe (tournament top goal scorer), both playing a massive +19800 to do it. Japan might be the most talented Asian team at the World Cup, but unfortunately, the group stage is where Japan will finish.