Check out our best bets for Netherlands vs Japan, featuring two anytime goalscorer shouts.
Netherlands vs Japan Betting OddsSee All Odds
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Three-time finalists the Netherlands begin their World Cup campaign on Sunday as they face Japan in their Group F opener at Dallas Stadium. Ronald Koeman’s side progressed comfortably through European qualifying and arrive with a squad packed with quality, while Japan are appearing at an eighth successive World Cup.
Japan are organised, technically strong and capable of frustrating stronger opposition, but the Netherlands should control possession and create the greater share of the chances. Tijjani Reijnders’ advanced midfield role makes him an appealing option in the shots-on-target market, while Virgil van Dijk could pose a significant aerial threat from Dutch set pieces.
Check out our best bets for the match, featuring Reijnders to record a shot on target at even money and Van Dijk to score anytime at 15/2.
| Bet Type | Selection | Odds | Bookmaker | Stake |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Bet | Tijjani Reijnders over 0.5 shots on target | 1/1 | Coral & Ladbrokes | 1.5pts |
| Bet Builder | Netherlands to win, Tijjani Reijnders 1+ shot on target and Virgil van Dijk 1+ shot | 5/1 | Coral & Ladbrokes | 1pt |
| Player Prop | Virgil van Dijk to score anytime | 15/2 | Various | 0.5pts |
Netherlands vs Japan best bet
Tijjani Reijnders over 0.5 shots on target — 1/1
Recommended bet: Tijjani Reijnders over 0.5 shots on target
Best odds: 1/1 (Coral and Ladbrokes)
Advised stake: 1.5pts
The strongest betting angle for Netherlands vs Japan is Tijjani Reijnders to register at least one shot on target, with the Dutch midfielder expected to operate in an advanced role behind the attack.
Why we are backing this bet
- Recent form: Reijnders has scored three goals across his last six Netherlands starts and has recorded at least one shot on target in each of those six appearances.
- Match-up: With Ryan Gravenberch and Frenkie de Jong offering defensive security behind him, Reijnders should have the freedom to make late runs into the box and take up dangerous positions around the edge of the area.
- Team news: Reijnders is expected to start as the most advanced member of the Dutch midfield, placing him closer to the front line and increasing his opportunities to shoot.
- Value: Even-money odds imply a 50% chance of Reijnders testing the goalkeeper, despite him landing this line in six consecutive starts for his country.
Japan’s compact defensive structure could force the Netherlands to recycle possession around the penalty area, creating opportunities for Reijnders to receive the ball in central shooting positions. His ability to make late runs from midfield and attack space behind the opposition midfield makes him a strong candidate to test the goalkeeper at least once.
For those seeking a bigger price, we also recommend backing Reijnders to score anytime at 4/1 with a 0.5pt stake.
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Who is favourite to win in Netherlands vs Japan?
The Netherlands are favourites at 1/1, implying a 50% chance of victory. The draw is 5/2, while Japan are 11/4 outsiders. The relatively tight prices suggest bookmakers expect a competitive contest, with Japan respected despite the Netherlands’ superior squad depth and individual quality.
Netherlands vs Japan Bet Builder Tip
Leg 1: Tijjani Reijnders 1+ shot on target
Reijnders is expected to play as the Netherlands’ most advanced midfielder, with Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch giving him licence to attack. He has registered at least one shot on target in each of his last six Netherlands starts, making him the strongest player leg in the builder.
Leg 2: Virgil van Dijk 1+ shot
Van Dijk has recorded at least one shot in seven of his last 12 international appearances, including seven of the 10 matches in which he completed the full 90 minutes. He should also be a major target from corners and free-kicks, and both of England’s centre-backs registered shots in their recent friendly against Japan.
Leg 3: Netherlands to win
Japan are an organised and technically strong side, but the Netherlands should have enough quality across midfield, defence and attack to edge the contest. If Ronald Koeman’s side control possession and territory as expected, that should also increase the shooting opportunities for both Reijnders and Van Dijk.
The bet builder pays a best price of 5/1 with Coral/Ladrbokes at the time of writing. To get the best odds on your Bet Builder visit Oddschecker's Bet Builder Comparison Tool.
Netherlands vs Japan player prop bet
Virgil van Dijk to score anytime (15/2)
Recommended bet: Virgil van Dijk to score anytime
Best odds: 15/2 (various bookmakers)
Advised stake: 0.5pts
Virgil van Dijk appeals in the anytime goalscorer market because he should be one of the Netherlands’ main targets from corners and attacking free-kicks.
Three reasons to consider the prop
- Volume: Five of the last 10 centre-backs to face Japan have registered at least one shot, suggesting opposition defenders can find opportunities from set pieces.
- Role: Van Dijk is a major aerial threat and is regularly targeted when the Netherlands deliver corners and free-kicks into the penalty area.
- Match-up: At 195cm, Van Dijk holds a clear height advantage over Japan’s projected centre-backs — Ito at 188cm, Watanabe at 184cm and Taniguchi at 185cm — giving the Netherlands an obvious mismatch to exploit.
At 15/2, Van Dijk is a speculative but appealing anytime goalscorer option, particularly if the Netherlands dominate possession and generate a strong number of set-piece opportunities.
