Japan vs Croatia prediction: Betting tips, odds & match preview
Japan and Croatia will be looking to book their place in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup when they face off on Monday at 3pm (UK time).
Japan vs Croatia: Betting tips
Odds correct at the time of writing. 18+ Only. Terms and Conditions Apply. Please gamble responsibly. For more information, visit gambleaware.org
Japan vs Croatia: Prediction
Japan vs Croatia: Predictions |
||
| Bet | Prediction | Odds |
| BTTS? | Yes | 19/20 with Bet365 |
| Correct score | Japan 1-1 Croatia | 6/1 with Bet365 |
| First Goalscorer | Takuma Asano | 15/2 with Bet365 |
Nobody expected Japan to be here, having been placed in a group alongside Spain and Germany, as well as Costa Rica, but Samurai Blue defied all odds and finished top with six points. That isn’t to disrespect Japan, who are more than a capable team, it’s purely because everybody expected the European heavyweights to come out on top.
Japan made their statement to the tournament in their very first match, coming from a goal down to beat Germany 2-1 thanks to goals from Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano. However, in their next game, Japan were brought down to earth with a poor performance against Costa Rica which saw them lose 1-0, conceding from the only shot on target they faced. It meant Japan realistically had to win to ensure their spot in the last 16, and that’s exactly what they did, again coming from behind with goals from Doan and Ao Tanaka – the latter a slightly controversial strike as many believed the ball had gone out of play, but VAR awarded the goal and pictures later revealed showed that it was just in.
Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets with Bet365
Not signed up to bet365 yet? Here's how to claim one of the best bookmaker welcome offers around...
- Open an account (here's a link)
- Make a qualifying deposit of between £5* and £10*
- Claim the offer to receive three times your deposit in 'Free Bets'.
- To release your 'Free Bets', place qualifying bets to the value of your qualifying deposit and allow those bets to settle.
- Your 'Free Bets' will become available shortly after your qualifying bets have settled
- To use your 'Free Bets', select 'Use bet credits' in the bet slip.
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.
Croatia, meanwhile, are one of seven teams in the last 16 to still be unbeaten at the World Cup – though their record isn’t as impressive as it may sound. The 2018 runners-up were poor in their opening game against Morocco, a goalless draw in which they were seriously frustrated, a far cry from the run in Russia.
However, the big moment for Croatia came in their next game, as they beat Canada 4-1 coming from a goal down to put them top of the group on goal difference. In their final game, Croatia needed just a point to seal passage into the last 16 as it would have prevented Belgium from overtaking them and another goalless draw against the Red Devils did the job – though they slipped down to second with Morocco beating Canada.
Japan vs Croatia match result odds
Japan vs Croatia match stats
Both of these sides scored four goals in the group stage but Croatia in particular were not encouraging in front of goal. Zlatko Dalic’s men scored all four of their goals against Canada, managing just six shots on target from 16 shots in their two games against Belgium and Morocco. Japan, meanwhile, struggled for shot accuracy against both Costa Rica and Germany with 23.08% and 33.33% respectively – and all four of their goals came after half-time.
With so much on the line, the last 16 is likely to be a tight affair, especially as both of these sides look to keep their journey going. With Croatia struggling in front of goal against teams not called Canada, and Japan only turning up against the biggest of boys, we may be going all the way.
Japan vs Croatia: Squawka Says
Scoreline prediction: Japan 1-1 Croatia
Japan vs Croatia head-to-head
18 June 2006 – Japan 0-0 Croatia – World Cup
20 June 1998 – Japan 0-1 Croatia – World Cup
8 June 1997 – Japan 4-3 Croatia – Friendly
This will be the third meeting between Japan and Croatia, but the first to occur in the knockout stages. Croatia are unbeaten in the first two, with a 1-0 win at France 98 and a goalless draw in 2006.
