Spain will look to seal the top position in Group E when they oppose Japan Thursday at Khalifa International Stadium.
Japan defied the odds to start their World Cup with a win over Germany. They will need to shock Spain as well to reach the knockouts.
That 2-1 victory against the Germans was superb, but the Blue Samurai need another three points to advance in the tournament.
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The La Roja might have been left frustrated after throwing away their late lead against Germany last weekend, but Luis Enrique’s men should find the mood in their camp at a continued high. Despite eventually playing out a 1-1 draw against their fellow European heavyweight.
Kick-off – 20:00 G.M.T
Venue – Al – Khalifa Stadium
Team news
Putting in a toothless display last week in their 1-0 loss against Costa Rica, Moriyasu could be tempted to make a handful of changes on Thursday night.
Former Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino will be hoping to make his first full World Cup appearance in Doha. Likewise, Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu could also come into Moriyasu’s defence after missing out against Costa Rica.
Coming off the bench against Germany last weekend and now bagging back-to-back World Cup strikes, Alvaro Morata will be hoping for a full recall on Thursday night. The Atletico Madrid striker could come in and replace Marco Asensio.
Manchester City’s Rodri should once again partner teammate Aymeric Laporte at the heart of La Roja’s defence here.
Japan predicted lineup 4-2-3-1
12-Gonda — 2-Yamane, 4-Itakura, 22-Yoshida, 5-Nagatomo — 6-Endo, 17-Tanaka — 8-Doan, 15-Kamada, 11-Kubo — 25-Maeda
Spain predicted lineup 4-3-3,
23-Simon — 20-Carvajal, 16-Rodri, 24-Laporte, 18-Alba — 9-Gavi, 8-Koke, 26-Pedri, — 11-Torres, 7-Morata, 12-Williams
Odds/prediction
According to goal.com, the Asian side is an outsider in the game with bet365 offering them at 8/1 (9.00), although Spain will be wary of a team that was capable of beating Germany 2-1 in their opening contest.
