Japan vs Croatia Prediction, Lineups, Results & Betting Tips

Japan shocked the world when they won Group E ahead of Spain and Germany. They’ll now be looking to create more history against Croatia and book their spot in the quarter-finals for the first time. Croatia finished second in their group behind Morocco, but they’ll be hoping their experience will guide them through once again.

Japan vs Croatia Stats

• Japan have conceded the opening goal in all three of their World Cup games so far
• Both sides have excellent quality going forward and Japan came from behind to win against both Germany and Spain
• Croatia will be looking for a fast start and look a good option to score the opening goal

Japan vs Croatia Prediction:

Betting Tip: Both teams to score

Well, who predicted that Japan would finish top of a group containing both Spain and Germany? Not many, that’s for sure but nevertheless, they’ve shown that even when they go behind, they don’t let their heads drop and play on the front foot.

We’ve already seen that on a couple of occasions against the big hitters as they conceded the opening goal against both Germany and Spain, only to come from behind and secure 2-1 victories. Once can be put down to luck, but a second time means it needs to be respected and their sheer determination should not be overlooked.

Defensively, the Japanese have not exactly been strong and it’s in attack where they excel. They should feel confident of at least hitting the back of the net against Croatia who will give up opportunities for a shot on goal.

However, looking at Croatia so far, they’re experts in managing games and with the quality they possess, it’s hard to see them not getting on the scoresheet at least once with the opportunities they will inevitably create. Both teams to score looks like a good option.

Betting Tip: Croatia to score the first goal

Intensity is something that Japan have consistently shown at this World Cup, but the knockout rounds is a different prospect and it’s one that Croatia are more familiar with. Boss Zlatko Dalić will instruct his players to contain the Japanese frontline and pick the key moments to make their move and I do think the Vatreni will find a way to open the scoring.

Japan have never made it to a World Cup quarter-final but they won’t fear going behind for a fourth consecutive match, particularly as they have come from behind to win two of the three in which they have shipped the first goal.

Croatia possesses the experience, the confidence, the structure and the superior quality and they’ll be keen to get their noses in front and utilise their ability to see out a match in the hope it will lead to a spot in the next round.

I’m looking forward to this one, and Croatia to strike first at 4/5 makes plenty of appeal.

Japan vs Croatia Results

Japan vs Croatia Team News

Japan:

• Japan should have no fresh injury concerns coming into this game
• Ko Itakura will be suspended for this game, owing to an accumulation of yellow cards

Croatia:

• Croatia should have no fresh injury concerns for this game

Japan vs Croatia Lineups

Predicted lineups are brought to you by WhoScored.com.

Japan

Gonda, Tomiyasu, Yoshida, Taniguchi, Ito, Tanaka, Morita, Nagatomo, Kubi, Maeda, Kamada

Croatia

Livakovic, Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa, Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic, Kramaric, Livaja, Perisic

Japan vs Croatia Score Prediction:

Japan 1-2 Croatia