Japan vs Spain - Everything at stake for between La Roja and the Samurai Blue

Topics: FIFA World Cup, Japan, Spain, TV Schedules, TV Listings, Streaming Info

The Spanish side lead the pack after their win vs Costa Rica, but the Japanese have proven to be quite dangerous. Who'll come out on top?

Spain and Japan will lock horns in an interesting game that will define their final positions in Group E of the FIFA World Cup. As things stand, Spain have the lead over the Asian side, but as this tournament has happened, all bets have to be put on hold when all matches kick off.

Japan make it to this game with three points to their name after shockingly beating Germany in their first match of the competition. Nevertheless, the Samurai Blue were not able to keep up the good work and ended up dropping points against Costa Rica. A win or a draw for the Japanese would give them good options to make it to the next stage, but the easiest bet for them would be to try and win this clash.

On the other side of the pitch, Spain kicked off their run in the tournament with a massive 7-0 win over Costa Rica, but then the Spanish side was limited to a one-all draw against Germany, which has kept the options to qualify for all teams in the group. La Roja can be considered as the favorites to win this group thanks to their goal difference, but dismissing Japan right from the start may not be a smart move.

In short, a win for both team would seal their spot in the next round, while a draw may only benefit Spain on the long run. Which one of these national teams will emerge victorious?

Japan vs Spain - Team news

The Samurai Blue make it to this game with everything to play for and hoping to repeat their feat from Matchday one, where they defeated Germany. To do that, coach Hajime Moriyasu will have a full squad to choose from, with the only exception of Hiroki Sakai, who came off with an injury against the Germans and has been listed as doubtful for this game.

On the other hand, Spain enter this clash with a full squad available. The only concern for Luis Enrique would be the fitness of players such as Gavi and Pedri, but both midfielders seem to be ready to take their spot in the lineup if their coach thinks they are up for the task. Another key move for Spain would involve Alvaro Morata, who could start up front to add depth to the team's attacking unit.

Japan vs Spain - Head-to-head

This will be the second game between Japan and Spain in history.
The only previous match between these teams ended in a one-nil win for Spain.
The Spanish side has faced three Asian teams in their past five World Cup appearances. They defeated Iran in 2018 (1-0), Saudi Arabia in 2006 (1-0) and lost to South Korea after penalties in 2022.
This will be Japan's 10th game against European teams in FIFA World Cups. His record shows three wins, three draws, and three losses.
This will be the first match for both Hajime Moriyasu and Luis Enrique against Spain and Japan, respectively.
Former midfielder Rubén Baraja is the only player to have scored a goal in this rivalry.