(Football news) Both Spain and Japan failed to take maximum points in their last game at the 2022 World Cup as La Roja drew 1-1 against Germany while the Blue Samurai suffered a 1-0 defeat against Costa Rica. The Group E table is tight with leaders Spain on 4 points, Japan and Costa Rica on 3 and last place Germany on 1 and the final set of fixtures will be the decider for who goes into the last 16.
For Japan, they will be aiming to secure their second consecutive qualification into the next round but know that a victory will be essential. However, a draw might suffice if Costa Rica fails to defeat Germany or if the latter fail to win by two or more goals. Hajime Moriyasu will be eager to see his team replicate the same form that saw them defeat Germany in the opening match. Japan has never faced Spain in a competitive fixture before and their previous meeting was a friendly back in 2001 when La Roja won 1-0.
Spain missed out on qualification after a draw against a much improved Germany in their last match but remain in pole position to progress. According to various reports, head coach Luis Enrique is set to step down as Spain manager after the World Cup to get back into club management but the 52 year old will be focused on guiding his team to their fifth knockout round match in the last six World Cups.
In team news, Japan defenders Takehiro Tomiyasu and Hiroki Sakai are doubtful due to hamstring issues while midfielder Wataru Endo could miss out due to a knee problem. Captain Maya Yoshida is set to feature in his 125th match for the Blue Samurai and will be joined by Miki Yamane, Ko Itakura and Yuto Nagatomo in the back four.
Endo will be replaced by one of Ao Tanaka or Leganes\’ Gaku Shibasaki while Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano (both scored against Germany) might feature on the flanks. Daichi Kamada from Eintracht Frankfurt is expected to play in a number 10 role behind Daizen Maeda or Ayase Ueda.
As for Spain, 18-year-old midfielder Gavi might be unavailable due to a minor injury while captain Sergio Busquets is expected to be rested. With two vacant midfield positions, Koke, Carlos Soler and Marcos Llorente will be hoping to feature in the starting lineup but Rodri could also move up from centre-back to play in the deep lying midfielder role.
If Enrique decides to do so, one of Pau Torres or Eric Garcia could feature in defence alongside Aymeric Laporte. Alvaro Morata will be hoping to feature in attack after scoring two goals in two substitute appearances, joining Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo in the front three with Marco Asensio being dropped on the bench. A victory for Spain seems to be the most likely result from this fixture.
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