This is another exciting group stage clash between European giants Netherlands and Asian heavyweights Japan to be played on the 15th June at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington.
For the game, here we present our preview and prediction.
The Dutch qualified for the World Cup unbeaten and top of their group with six wins and two draws. The Dutch are looking for their first FIFA World Cup trophy after having made it to three World Cup finals before, the most recent one being the 2010 World Cup.
Japan also qualified for the World Cup with relative ease,ensuring qualification in the AFC third round with three games to spare. This is their eighth straight FIFA World Cup appearance and their best finish has been the Round of 16 thrice.
Both teams have received bad news regarding injuries even before the start of their World Cup campaign. While Netherlands could miss goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen due to an injury sustained during a warm-up game, defender Jurrien Timber has been ruled out of the World Cup due to a groin injury. As for Japan, their biggest miss would be captain Wataru Endo who suffered a setback after making recovery from a previous injury and influential winger Kaoru Mitoma who couldn’t make the cut for the World Cup squad due to a previous fitness issue.
Coming to this match-up, both teams have been in exceptional form in the run-in to the tournament with Netherlands only losing one game and winning four in their last five while Japan have been unbeaten in their last five, even defeating England at the Wembley in an impressive manner. Both teams have top players in every position but have their own strengths, The Dutch have a resolute defence captained by the colossal Virgil van Dijk while Japan have some really tricky players in Daezen Maeda, Ao Tanaka, Takefusa Kubo and Ayase Ueda.
The last time these two faced each other in a World Cup was in 2010 that resulted in a close 1-0 win for the Dutch but Japan has an edge due to their attacking ability and current form and we feel the multiple Asian champions could upset the Dutch and open their campaign with a narrow win.
Score Prediction: Netherlands 0–1 Japan
Venue: Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas
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