Uruguay vs Japan Predictions

Uruguay are out to continue a great start to the Copa America, while they meet potentially the weakest side at the tournament. Can the Uruguayans rack up an impressive victory over a Japan side who are understrength here? The Japanese took the chance to test their young players out at this tournament, something which looks set to backfire following their 4-0 loss to Chile in their opening clash. Will we see another gulf in class between Japan and one of South America’s giants here?

Uruguay cruised to a 4-0 win over Ecuador in their opener, making a mockery of the betting which made those two look evenly matched. Now the bookies have changed their stance, making Uruguay heavy favourites to win this meeting. That isn’t a surprise, given that this is an Uruguay side who were impressive at the World Cup last summer, with their run to the quarter-finals coming thanks to their trust in youth. That has marked the youthful side to impress at this tournament.

Japan aren’t getting the same returns from their trust in youth. They’ve brought a few experienced players to the Copa America amid a group of potential future regulars in the squad. However, their issues were laid bare in their 4-0 hammering by Chile in their first clash. Having seen their first choice squad beaten in the Asian Cup final earlier this year, 2019 is quickly turning into a year to forget for Japan’s national side.

The manner in which they were pulled apart by a Chile side who have their own problems suggests that Japan will struggle in this one. The Uruguayans should have little trouble adding to the 14 goals they’ve scored in their last four games. However, their defence has been just as impressive in that run. Uruguay have won their last four matches without conceding, something they’ll be out to add to here.

Uruguay were able to finish their last Copa campaign with a 3-0 win over Jamaica, while recent years have been good for their tough backline. They made the quarter-finals of the World Cup after keeping a clean sheet in their three group games. We expect them to do the same against a Japan side who are seriously lacking in attacking talent, so we’re going with Uruguay to win to nil in this clash.