Holland Women vs Japan Women Predictions

Netherlands made light work of emerging from their group in pole position, as they beat New Zealand, Cameroon and Canada without ever really needing to get out of second gear. In contrast, Japan stuttered their way through Group D. After faltering against the Lionesses, it will be interesting to see how Asako Takakura’s women fare against a strong Dutch side.

Despite not being at their absolute best, Holland created a positive impression during the group stages, as they won each of their three matches. Not only did they win each of their three games, but they showed that they’ve got what it takes to score goals, notching a pleasing six. Their attacking efforts last time out against a Canadian side that can be tough to break down were particularly impressive.

What Holland also did well during the group stages was constantly create more than their opponents. Sarina Wiegman-Glotzbach’s women bettered each of their three opponents in terms of expected goals, posting an average expected goal difference of +1.05.

In contrast, Japan found it difficult to both create more than their opponents and at times, create in general. They posted a measly 0.68 expected goals for against Argentina on match-day one, which led to them failing to find the net. They did improve against Scotland, notching twice and creating 2.06 expected goals for, though their efforts against England do not bode well ahead of this match.

Last time out, Takakura’s women went back to struggling in the final third, both in terms of creativity and end-product, as they failed to create more than 0.91 expected goals for, which again led to them scoring zero goals. Holland haven’t always been the most secure at the back, so there will be opportunities for Japan on Tuesday, but their effort in France so far don’t exactly suggest that they can take advantage.

In the betting, based on what we’ve seen from the pair up until this point, Holland are very tough to oppose in the betting. Specifically, ‘Holland to Win & Over 1.5 Goals’ gets the nod.

Quite simply, Holland, who’re averaging two goals for and 1.87 expected goals for, have offered more, especially going forward, than Japan at these finals, so much so that they look a good price to score at least twice on route to booking their place in the last eight.