Japan vs Spain Prediction Olympic 2024

⚽ Olympic Football Games 2024 Match Preview

⏰ 2 August 2024 - 16:00 GMT +1

🏟 Stadium: Parc Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon)

Japan enters the quarter-finals with an impeccable record, having won all three group stage matches without conceding a goal. Their recent 1-0 victory against Israel maintained their perfect defensive record and 100% win rate in Group D.

The Blue Samurai have shown a tendency to score late, with six of their seven group-stage goals coming in the second half. This suggests they might adopt a cautious approach in the early stages of this knockout match. Japan is now just one win away from reaching their third semi-final in the last four Summer Olympics.

Spain, despite a 2-1 loss to Egypt in their final group game, finished as the leading scorers in Group C. They're aiming for their second consecutive Olympic final and third since their gold medal win in 1992. The defeat against Egypt marked the first time in this tournament that Spain failed to open the scoring.

This match-up is a repeat of the 2020 Olympics semi-final, adding an extra layer of intrigue. With temperatures expected to be high at kick-off, both teams will likely prefer to settle the match in regular time, avoiding the need for extra time as seen in their respective quarter-final matches three years ago.

Where to watch Japan vs Spain?

📺 Link to watch Japan vs Spain Live Stream on TV

📋Players to watch:

• Japan: Rihito Yamamoto (captain, scored in first two matches)
• Spain: Fermín López (Barcelona midfielder, tends to score late)

⚡Match Facts:

• Japan has a 100% win record and clean sheet in the tournament
• Spain was the highest-scoring team in Group C
• Six different players have scored for Spain
• This is their fourth U23 H2H since 2012 (Spain: W1, D1, L1)
• Spain conceded before half-time in all group matches

💡Prediction: This quarter-final clash promises to be a tactical battle between Japan's solid defense and Spain's potent attack. Japan's tendency to score late could be crucial if they can frustrate Spain's early efforts. However, Spain's diverse scoring threats and experience in major tournaments give them an edge. Japan's perfect defensive record will face its sternest test yet. Expect a cautious first half with the game opening up as it progresses. Spain's ability to score early in previous matches, contrasted with their habit of conceding before half-time, suggests we might see goals in both halves. A close match is likely, potentially decided by a moment of brilliance or a late surge.

Betting Tips:

• Both teams to score
• Over 2.5 goals
• Spain to score in the first half
• Japan to score in the second half
• Fermín López to score anytime
• More goals in the second half than the first