Japan vs Spain odds and betting statistics
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Japan vs Spain match preview
These two teams have both been imperious in Group C so far, swatting aside the section’s two minnows, with this a straight shootout for top spot.
Spain smashed Zambia 5-0 at Eden Park on Wednesday, with Teresa Abelleira scoring an absolute rocket, before both Jenni Hermoso and Alba Redondo bagged braces.
La Roja’s fourth and fifth goals were both given following VAR review, with Hermoso marking the occasion of her 100th cap by taking her international goals tally to 50.
Having also swatted aside Costa Rica 3-0, all their goals coming in a six minute spree, Jorge Vilda’s team are top of Group C and are looking very good, despite all the ongoing off-field controversies.
Japan though also have maximum points to their name, kicking off their campaign by also smashing debutants Zambia 5-0.
Then, last time out, the Nadeshiko cruised past Costa Rica in Dunedin, with Hikaru Naomoto and Aoba Fujino scoring within 100 seconds of one-another in the first half.
These two did meet in a friendly at Estadio de La Cartuja back in November, with Spain prevailing 1-0, meaning they remain unbeaten across all four meetings with Japan, the previous three ending in draws.
Whoever tops this group will face Norway in Wellington on Saturday; Group C’s runners-up will take on Switzerland in Auckland in their round of 16 encounter.
So, will Spain get the result they need, or can Japan pick up all three points at Wellington Regional Stadium?
Japan team news
Futoshi Ikeda rotated and managed players minutes against Costa Rica on Wednesday, seemingly not too fussed weather his team advance in first os second; it’ll be interesting to see if his best XI is deployed her.
Hinata Miyazawa’s brace against Zambia should earn her a start here, while Angel City FC’s Jun Endō, likely to be found at left-wing-back, is another player to watch.
Predicted XI (5-4-1): Yamashita; Shimizu, Ishikawa, Kumagai, Minami, Endō; Hasegawa, Nagano, Fujino, Miyazawa; Tanaka.
Spain teams news
Similarly, does Jorge Vilda go all out to get a result here, or rest and rotate ahead of a round of 16 tie on Saturday.
Alexia Putellas’s minutes are being carefully managed, seeing 13 minutes of action against Costa Rica, before being taken off at half time in the big win over Zambia.
Esther González led the line and scored in Spain’s opener, before being rested on Wednesday, but could return here.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Rodríguez; Batlle, Paredes, Andrés, Carmona; Bonmatí, Abelleira, del Castillo; Hermoso, Paralluelo, González.
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