Japan vs Spain Prediction: Spain to remain group leaders.

Japan and Spain have both booked their place in the Knockout stage after their excellent start to the campaign. Both teams won their opening 2 games and did not concede a single goal in those games. Japan defeated Zambia 5-0 in the opening game, and then defeated Costa Rica 2-0 in the second game. While Spain defeated Costa Rica 3-0 in their first game, before defeating Zambia 5-0 in the second game. By the result, Spain are current group leaders with 6 points and a goal difference of 8, while Costa Rica are in 2nd place with 6 points and a goal difference of 7. These two will now face each other to determine who will emerge as group winner as the group stage wraps up. 

Japan have proven to be one of the best Asian teams in this year's tournament with their excellent display. They secured their place in the knockout stage after back-to-back wins in the opening 2 games, against Zambia and Costa Rica.

Their latest game against Costa Rica ended in a 2-0 win and their knockout stage was confirmed. The Japanese wasted no time in disposing of their opponents in that game as they scored both goals in the 25th and 27th minutes through Hikaru Naomoto and Aoba Fujino. They held onto the game from that point until the end and grabbed all 3 points. They were also the better side according to matchday statistics. They had 57% possession, 12 shots on target and 9 corner kicks.

Team streaks: win (3), no goals conceded (3), less than 4.5 cards (10/10), less than 10.5 corners (7/8).

Starting XI (3-4-2-1)

Ayaka Yamashita, Shiyori Miyake, Saki Kumagai, Moeka Minami, Risa Shimizu, Yui Hasegawa, Honoka Hayashi, Hina Sugita, Aoba Fujino, Hikaru Naomoto, Mina Tanaka.

Spain have lived up to the hype and it's no surprise that they already have their place in the Knockout stages. They saw off challenges from Costa Rica and Zambia and won both encounters. Their most recent match was against Zambia and they won 5-0.

In that game, Spain showed their superiority and dominance as they scored 2 goals in the opening 13 minutes. Teresa Abelleira opened the score sheet with the first goal in the 9th minute and Jennifer Hermoso doubled their lead in the 13th minute. And in the 69th minute, Alba Redondo scored the third before Jennifer Hermoso doubled her tally with another goal in the 70th minute. Finally Alba Redondo also grabbed her brace in the 85th minute to seal a 5-0 win for Spain. According to statistics, Spain were the better side as they had 75% possession, 13 shots on target and 9 corner kicks.

Team streaks: wins (8), no goals conceded (6), more than 2.5 goals (9/10), first to score (8/8), first half winner (8/8), less than 4.5 cards (10/10), more than 10.5 corners (4/5).

Starting XI (4-3-3)

Misa Rodriguez, Olga Carmona, Ivana Andres, Irene Paredes, Ona Batlle, Alexia Putellas, Teresa Abelleira, Aitana Bonmati, Mariona Caldentey, Jennifer Hermoso, Salma Paralluelo.

Japan and Spain will be meeting against each other for the 5th time. In their 4 meetings previously, Spain won 3 matches and 1 match ended in a draw.

• Spain have not lost in all 4 meetings.
• Japan have not kept a clean sheet in all 4 meetings.

Both teams have achieved their objectives for the group stage and their efforts have been excellent. Both teams have dominated proceedings, finishing off their opponents and keeping things tight at the back. Japan have never defeated Spain before and they won't be doing it on this stage. Spain is a more organized and experienced team than the Japanese and that counts in such stages. So, I expect Spain to come out of this with all 3 points.

Bet on

• Spain Win at 1.88 Odds
• Spain Win at 1.926 Odds
• Correct Score 1-2 at 9.00 Odds