Japan vs Canada Match Analysis and Prediction

Japan vs Canada Match Analysis & Prediction

Japan

17/11/2022 4:40 pm

Canada

by Vincent

2 years ago 0 366

DISCLAIMER: All odds are quoted at time the prediction went live. Check the sports book for updated odds

With less than a week from the start of the World Cup in Qatar, Japan and Canada will face off on Thursday at Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai.

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In two previous meetings between the nations, the Samurai Blue have beaten Canada both times, with the last game coming in 2013.

Japan have been dealt a tough hand heading into their seventh successive trip to the finals, drawing Germany and Spain in Group E, alongside Costa Rica.

Consequently, their odds of qualifying for the last 16 for the fourth time in their history appears doubtful, though they proved to be a formidable opponent in Russia four years ago.

Since a 3-0 defeat to Tunisia at the Kirin Cup final, the Samurai Blue have been a lot sharper defensively, posting five successive clean sheets.

While few expect them to make it beyond the group stage in Qatar, Hajime Moriyasu’s side should not be taken lightly, with Japan holding World Cup favourites Brazil goalless until the 77th minute in a 1-0 defeat in June, one of just two losses for them all year.

A 36-year wait to compete in the finals is nearly over as the youngsters in this Canadian squad prepare to play on football’s biggest stage for the first time.

They may be one of the less experienced sides heading to Qatar, but they have shown an ability to overwhelm veteran opponents with their transitional play.

In addition to that, many Canadian players are making an impact with their club teams in some of the top European competitions this season.

Despite going winless in their last two matches, Les Rouges have created their share of chances, drawing Bahrain 2-2 last Friday and out-possessing Uruguay in September, but eventually losing 2-0.

Since 2016, Canada have lost just one of their four encounters against Asian opponents.

Japan vs. Canada Head to head

These two nations have previously met on just two occasions, where Japan have won in both encounters, scoring five goals and conceding just one.

31/05/2001

Japan

3

Canada

0

Confederations Cup
22/03/2013

Japan

2

Canada

1

Friendlies
17/11/2022

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17/11/2022

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Japan Team News

After replacing Shuichi Gonda in goal in their victory over the Americans in September, Daniel Schmidt stopped four shots to collect a clean sheet in a goalless draw with Ecuador.

Yuto Nagatomo earned his 137th international cap, putting him in second all-time for Japan behind Yasuhito Endo, who has 152.

Japan's Last 5 Matches

19/07/2022

Japan

6

Hong Kong

0

EAFF Football Championship
24/07/2022

Japan

0

China PR

0

EAFF Football Championship
27/07/2022

Japan

3

Korea Republic

0

EAFF Football Championship
23/09/2022

Japan

2

United States

0

Friendlies
27/09/2022

Japan

0

Ecuador

0

Friendlies

Canada Team News

Alphonso Davies has missed the last two matches for his club side Bayern Munich with a hamstring strain, but he is expected to play for Canada at the World Cup.

Tajon Buchanan and all-time leading goalscorer Cycle Larin have only scored once each domestically this season for Belgian side Club Brugge.