In a Group E stage match, Japan (1 win, 1 loss, 0 draws) and Spain (1-0-1) meet Thursday at Khalifa International Stadium at 2 p.m. ET (FOX/Universo). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Japan vs. Spain odds, and make our best World Cup bets, picks and predictions.
Japan heads into this one looking to rebound after a stunning 1-0 setback against Costa Rica Sunday. That loss splashed cold water on its 2-1 shocking upset of Germany in the opening match. F Ritsu Doan and F Takuma Asano scored in the opener and will need to step up their offense against La Roja.
Spain pounded Costa Rica 7-0 in the opener before settling for a 1-1 draw against Germany Sunday. The Spaniards are in good shape to advance to the Round of 16 thanks to an impressive +7 goal differential. Still, with a loss to Japan, and a Costa Rica win over Germany, it is still mathematically possible for Spain to be eliminated.
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Japan vs. Spain odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:08 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Japan +750 (bet $100 to win $750) | Spain -260 (bet $260 to win $100) | Draw +400
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Prediction
Spain 2, Japan 1
Moneyline (ML)
A play on Spain (-260) will cost you more than 2 1/2 times your potential return, and that’s too much, even if the heavy favorites are likely to have their foot on the gas the whole way with elimination possible.
While that’s all well and good, JAPAN +2 (-140) is still playing to advance, too, and it is in really good shape to do so if it can get a result. Japan has plenty of world-class players to give Spain all it can handle.
Over/Under (O/U)
The OVER 2.5 (-115) is the lean, as both sides will be going all out, with a lot of end-to-end action. That will be especially true in the second half, as these teams keep an eye on each other, and an eye on the scoreboard from the Costa Rica-Germany match.
Spain rolled up 7 goals against Costa Rica, the highest total in any match during the tournament. It won’t do that against Japan, but La Roja should be good for at least 2 in the back of the net. As long as Japan can show the talent which was on the display against Germany, it should avoid getting blanked.
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