Japan U23 vs New Zealand U23 Predictions

• Japan won all three of their group games.
• Japan thrashed France 4-0 in their last fixture.
• New Zealand conceded three against Honduras, and were unable to score against Romania.

Japan to end New Zealand’s Olympics adventure

New Zealand have been the surprise package at the Olympics but they are likely to fall short against host nation Japan in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

The Olyroos showed real defensive resolve to claim a 1-0 win over South Korea in their opener but then collapsed in a 3-2 defeat to Honduras despite taking the lead twice.  A 0-0 draw with a poor Romania outfit was enough for them to reach the knockout stages, but Japan look a step up in quality too far for the Kiwis.

The young Blue Samurai laboured to a 1-0 win over South Africa in their opener but then overcame Mexico 2-1 before thrashing France 4-0 to make it three wins from three in the group stages.

New Zealand have perhaps rode their luck at time, particularly against South Korea, and against an organised and disciplined Japan outfit we expect them to fall short.

Japan have conceded just once in their three games and we feel they can keep another shut-out against New Zealand.  Coach Hajime Moriyasu, who also manages the senior team, used his three overage slots to select defensive players and that move has paid off so far.  At the other end, the hosts have improved with each game and we think a Japan -1 win in the handicap market appeals, while another 4-0 win has a chance in the correct score market as most teams tend to ease off once they have opened up a four-goal lead.