football | Wednesday, November 30, 2022 1:09 PM (Revised at: Thursday, December 1, 2022 2:14 PM)

Japan vs Spain Bet Builder Tips: 12.00 Builder for Thursday’s Group E Decider

Dan Tracey

Japan vs Spain Bet Builder: Thursday, December 1st

With the final round of group stage matches in full swing, we have Japan vs Spain bet builder tips ready. Tips that focus on whether Japan can pull off another sensational shock at this year’s finals.

We’ll also see whether Spain can assure safe passage to the Round of 16. They only need a draw to be sure and will be confident of doing so. However, Group E has already thrown up plenty of shocks.

In this article:

Japan vs Spain Preview
Japan vs Spain Stats & Facts
Japan vs Spain Bet Builder

Japan vs Spain Preview

World Cup Group E, Thursday, December 1st, 19:00 (UK)

Japan cultivated one of the biggest shocks of this year’s tournament when they got the better of Germany on matchday 1. The result put them in good stead before their subsequent meeting with Costa Rica but things didn’t go to plan.

The momentum ground to a shuddering halt with Hajime Moriyasu’s men suffering defeat to the Central American nation, all their previous hard work had been undone.

The result has blown this four-team league wide open. With each entrant still possessing an opportunity to reach the Round of 16, it is all to play for when the Samurai Blue face Spain on Wednesday.

As far as Spain are concerned, all they need to do is avoid defeat and they will be through to the knockout stage. Should Luis Enrique’s men suffer a loss at the hands of Japan, they will be looking for a favour elsewhere.

They’d then rely on Costa Rica and Germany playing out a stalemate. Should that prove to be the case, the 2010 champions would advance by virtue of a far superior goal difference – providing Japan don’t put 10 past them.

If Spain win and Costa Rica manage to achieve the same feat against the Germans, it would mean both European powerhouses will be sent home early. Something that no one would have envisaged at the start of the week.

Japan vs Spain Stats & Facts

Spain and Japan have only met once before. A 2001 international friendly saw the former run out 1-0 winners.
Spain have won eight of their last nine final group stage matches. The only exception being four years ago as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Morocco.
Japan are aiming to progress to the Round for 16 for the second tournament in a row. A feat that they are yet to previously achieve.
Takuma Asano is the Japanese player who has taken the most shots at this year’s World Cup. With seven to his name, he has also created two chances for his teammates.

Japan vs Spain Bet Builder

As Group E comes to its conclusion, I think there could still be a twist in the tale. One that comes in the shape of Japan avoiding defeat to Spain and potentially advancing to the Round of 16.

A lot will depend on whether Costa Rica go behind to Germany. Should that be the case then it will be all to play for in the other fixture. If news of a goal for Hansi Flick’s men filters through, it will only add extra impetus to the Japanese cause.

Should Japan manage a 1-1 draw with Spain at the same time as Germany only win 1-0 against Costa Rica, it would mean the Asian outfit would advance by virtue of a better head-to-head record.

While if the scores are level between Japan and Spain while Germany go clear, it then becomes do or die for Hajime Moriyasu and his players. At that stage, a rolling of the dice must take place.

Which means if Japan are to avoid defeat, they will likely need a goal from somewhere. One that comes courtesy of Takuma Asano and with seven shots to his name already, he is certainly a nuisance in the opposition’s penalty area.

One goal for Asano but no more than four in total. That is how I envisage it panning out on Wednesday. Should the first three selections be ticked off along with at least six total corners, odds of 12.00 will be converted into considerable profits.