Spain will try to win the group, and Japan will be out to spring another upset Thursday when the teams meet in a Group E finale at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Doha, Qatar. Spain leads the group, one point ahead of Japan and Costa Rica and three ahead of Germany, so it is wide open entering the final day. Spain can seal a spot with a draw, but Japan would be in danger of missing out if they draw and Germany beat Costa Rica, so all four teams will aim for victory to assure a spot. Spain looked like a major threat to contend for another World Cup title to go with their 2010 championship when they mauled Costa Rica 7-0 in their opener. Then they misfired in a 1-1 draw with Germany. Japan pulled off a surprising 2-1 victory against Germany to start their campaign but were humbled by a 1-0 loss to Costa Rica on Sunday.
Kickoff at Khalifa International Stadium is set for 2 pm ET. Spain are -225 favorites (risk $225 to win $100) in Caesars Sportsbook’s latest Japan vs. Spain odds, with Japan priced as +625 underdogs. A draw is +330, and the over/under for total match goals is 2.5. Before making any Spain vs. Japan picks, make sure you Check out the 2022 World Cup predictions and best bets from proven soccer insider Martin Green.
After working in the sports betting industry for several years, Green became a professional sports writer and handicapper and has covered the game worldwide. Since then, his European soccer picks have been spot-on. Green has generated almost $35,000 for $100 bettors since the 2017-18 season. He has his finger on the pulse of the game all over the globe.
Now, Green has broken down Spain vs. Japan from all sides and just locked in his World Cup picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the picks. Here are the betting lines and trends for Japan vs. Spain:
- Spain vs. Japan spread: Spain -1.5 (+135)
- Spain vs. Japan over/under: 2.5 goals
- Spain vs. Japan money line: Japan +625, Spain -225, Draw +330
- JPN: Japan has outscored their opponents 29-10 in 16 games in 2022.
- ESP: Spain has a 26-8 goal advantage in 11 matches this calendar year.
- Spain vs. Japan: See picks at SportsLine
Featured Game | Japan vs. Spain
Why should you go back to Spain?
La Roja have the firepower to dominate, as they showed against Los Ticos in their breakout opener. They also have a ton of experience on this stage, and in addition to their 2010 World Cup title, they are three-time European champions. They entered the tournament at +800 to win the tournament, while Japan were +25000. Veterans like captains Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Dani Carvajal and young stars like Ferran Torres, Gavi and Pedri give the team excellent balance. Torres scored twice in the opening-game rout.
Alvaro Morata has scored in both matches off the bench, and the oft-maligned 30-year-old has five goals with Atlético Madrid this season. The heady play of Busquets combined with Pedri’s vision and Gavi’s flair give the Spaniards a clear edge in the midfield. They help Spain hold the ball more than any team in the world. They had a record 82% possession against Costa Rica and 65% against Germany, so Japan will get few opportunities to find a goal. Spain have allowed 11 total shots (four on net), in the two games, while Japan have put seven on target. See which team to pick here.
Why should you go back to Japan?
The Blue Samurai are at their best when they can sit back and spring breakout counters, so they were at a disadvantage against Costa Rica. Against a Spain side that will be more than happy to hold possession, they will be back in their comfort zone. They held the ball for just 26 percent of the match, but Takuma Asano and Ritsu Doan scored late to finish the shocking victory against the powerhouse Germans. Asano has eight international goals in 29 games, while Takumi Minamino is the leader with 17 in 46 matches but is fighting to find his form.
Midfielder Daichi Kamada has 12 goals in 20 matches in all competitions for Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany and has six goals in 24 international matches. Japan won all eight games in second-round AFC qualifying, with an astonishing 46-2 scoring advantage. They went 7-1-2 in the third round to qualify. Spain have a World Cup title, but Japan have been on this stage before and reached the knockout round in 2018. They led 2-0 against Belgium in the Round of 16 before losing 3-2. They entered this tournament on a run of five straight clean sheets in official matches. See which team to pick here.
How to make Japan vs. Spain picks
Green has scrutinized the Spain vs. Japan 2022 World Cup match from every angle. He is leaning Under on the goal total and provides three confident best bets, including two plus-money plays, and his full breakdown of the match. He’s only sharing those picks here.
So, who wins Japan vs. Spain in Thursday’s 2022 World Cup Group E finale? And where does all the betting value lie? Visit SportsLine now to see the best bets for the Spain vs. Japan match, all from the European soccer expert who has generated almost $35,000 for $100 bettors over the past four seasons.
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