Japan vs Spain FIFA World Cup Live Streaming Info: When, Where to Watch, Preview, Qatar 2022 Updates
After conceding late on to miss out on victory over Germany, Spain still have some work to do against Japan to guarantee a place in the round of 16 at the World Cup.
The Spaniards won’t need much, though, as a draw on Thursday will be enough, and even a defeat could allow the team to progress depending on the other Group E result between Germany and Costa Rica.
It won’t be easy for Japan, but a win would guarantee the Japanese a second straight knockout stage. This is the first time Japan has progressed from the group stage to the series. Even if Japan loses, the team will go home.
“It will be a high-pressure game for our players,” Japan coach Hajime Moriasu said on Wednesday. “But we have to believe in ourselves. Players have to believe in themselves and they have to believe in their teammates to fight against our opponents. Hopefully they can do their best and the results will come.
The Japanese opened their campaign with a surprise win against four-time champions Germany before losing to Costa Rica. Knocked out by Belgium in the last 16 in Russia.
Spain, who equalized in the 83rd minute against Germany, could go home with a defeat if Costa Rica beats Germany or if the Germans win big to break Spain’s goal difference after their 7-0 opening win over Costa Rica.
A win at the Khalifa International Stadium would secure Spain top spot in the group and put it on course for a potential showdown with five-time champions Brazil in the quarter-finals.
Spain coach Luis Enrique said, “We hope to face Brazil because we topped our group.
“You have to beat every team to win the World Cup, so we’re not going to try to avoid anyone.”
Spain enters the final round with four points, one more than both Japan and Costa Rica. Germany has a point.
“We don’t think about our opponents in the knockout rounds,” said Spain midfielder Coque Reserrezion.
“We have to beat Japan first and then see who we play against.
If Brazil is in the quarter-finals, so be it, we will try to be as prepared as possible for that.
Germany’s chances of staying alive in Qatar will largely depend on Spain winning the match against Japan. A win against Costa Rica would be enough for the Germans then.
What doesn’t help Germany is that Luis Enrique could rotate some of his players after making only one change from the first to the second – Dani Carvajal coming in for Cesar Azpilicueta at right-back.
Teenage poet Kavi, who started the first two matches, trained separately from the squad after the 1-1 draw with Germany due to a minor knee injury. He was expected to be available for Thursday’s match but is unlikely to start.
