Japan U23 vs Spain U23 Predictions

• Japan U23 are unbeaten in their last eight games (6 wins, 2 draws).
• Spain U23 have not been as convincing as Japan U23 in the Games, deservedly losing to Egypt last time out
• Japan U23 have avoided defeat to Spain U23 in 90 minutes in their last three matchups, including at the Tokyo Olympics

Egypt defeat weakens Spanish case for gold

Japan have a chance to avenge the semi-final defeat they suffered against Spain at the Tokyo Olympics when the nations meet again at the quarter-final stage on Friday.

The clash in Lyon pits the Group D winners, who produced a perfect record in easing through a tough section, against the Group C runners-up, who slipped up in their last game against Egypt.

Spain’s performances against the Pharaoahs was pretty weak all told as they gifted chances away with individual errors and failed to create much danger of their own. Santi Denia’s side also had goalkeeper Alejandro Iturbe to thank for keeping them in the game in the second half when Egypt threatened to extend their 2-0 lead.

Japan can avoid defeat again

Japan will fancy their chances of progression if Spain play anywhere near as badly as they did on Tuesday and previous results between the nations at this level suggest there is little to choose between the sides.

Go Oiwa’s side win the Asian Under-23 Cup earlier this year and enter the game on an eight-game unbeaten run with six wins and two draws in that run. They are solid at the back, creative in midfield and have lively wingers and strikers who can capitalise on any more errors from the Spanish back four.

This Japanese team appears better than the one that held out against Spain for 115 minutes in Saitama three years ago. That Spanish team went on to provide half of their Euro 2024-champion squad, but this one does not appear to have as many players with such high ceilings in the game.