Netherlands vs Japan Predictions

• Netherlands have failed to win three of their last five games
• Japan are undefeated in their last seven, including wins over Brazil and England
• Keito Nakamura has scored two goals and assisted two more in his last five games for Japan

Fine margins between two Group F rivals

The Netherlands and Japan get their World Cup campaigns underway in Arlington on Sunday in what should be a tight contest between two teams that were knocked out on penalties four years ago.

The Dutch arguably came as close as anyone to knocking Argentina out when Wout Weghorst’s introduction rattled Lionel Scaloni’s side in the quarter-finals while Japan came up against an inspired Dominik Livakovic in the shootout that followed their 1-1 draw with Croatia in the round of 16.

Those results highlight how fine the margins are between success and failure in the knockout stages of the World Cup and many are predicting this tournament to be the most open in history. Japan have arrived in the United States in superb form after winning six consecutive matches under experienced coach Hajime Moriyasu.

Dutch attack looks mid

The Blue Samurai have a balanced squad and a well-defined 3-4-3 system that suits the players. Their recent wins over a slightly understrength Brazil and an England side featuring six projected World Cup starters suggest they are capable of giving the Dutch a hard time.

Defensively, they were excellent at Wembley as goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made four saves and was aided by a clearance off the line. That clean sheet was one of five straight shut outs they have recorded since the 3-2 victory over Brazil in October.

The Dutch look solid on paper with Virgil van Dijk, Jurrien Timber and Micky van der Ven forming three-quarters of a formidable backline, but they lack a bit of x-factor in midfield and their forward line looks short on top-class talent too.

Nakamura has the goalscoring knack

Japan are a decent bet to avoid defeat in this opener, which could begin quite cagily. Fewer than three goals have been scored in three of Japan’s last four games and three of the Netherlands’ last five so take a risk on this one finishing 1-1.

Keito Nakamura seems as good a shout as anyone to get a goal given he is in superb form right now with two goals and two assists in his last five Japan appearances.