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Japan vs Qatar Predictions

  • 14:00
  • Expired
  • ZSC Stadium
Japan
Qatar

odds when tipped

odds when tipped

Japan vs Qatar Predictions

And then there were two. Japan were always fancied to get to Sunday’s final – Samurai Blue came into the tournament as outright favourites – but not everyone would’ve had the Qataris down as one of the last two. However, Al-Annabi have shown that they’re no mugs and having already knocked out the likes of South Korea will go into Friday’s final feeling confident.

On the face of it, Japan passed their Iranian test with flying colours on Monday afternoon, though their victory was far less comfortable than the score-line suggested. Samurai Blue were certainly the more clinical of the two teams, but on the balance of play, they were fortunate to go in front, and after that they simply too advantage of their visitors on the break.

Despite being a tad lucky to come away with a 3-0 win in the semi-final, without making a fantastic impression, the Japanese have certainly been one of the most solid sides at this tournament. They’ve generally defended well, while they’ve come up with the goods in the final third when it has mattered most.

Japan’s average of 1.38 expected goals for and 0.78 against essentially sums up their performances in UAE; they’ve been solid, have created more than they’ve given away and have got the job done.

Qatar have also become well-drilled in getting the job done. Félix Sánchez Bas’ men have given absolutely nothing away at this tournament – quite literally as they’re the only team yet to concede a goal. Moreover, they’ve surrendered an average of just 0.45 expected goals for, which tells us that they’ve given very little away in terms of scoring opportunities.

Going forward, the Qataris have impressed slightly less than Japan, though they’ve looked a threat on the break, so they ought to enjoy the fact that Japan will dictate the tempo, much as they did against the Iranians.

From a creativity point of view, Japan have offered fractionally more than Friday’s opponents, though it’s fair to say that they’ve been less clinical in front of goal. Samurai blue are averaging 1.28 expected goals for and have scored an average of 1.83 goals, while Qatar are averaging 1.08 expected goals for and have notched an average of 2.67 goals. If we combine this with the fact that Iran have posted the better defensive figures – they’re averaging less expected goals against and are yet to concede – then it becomes very easy to make a case for the outsiders at the prices.

As the more established footballing nation, Japan were always going to be favourites ahead of this match, though it’s easy to feel that they could be a good bit bigger. Qatar have that they’re no mugs, especially when they knocked out South Korea without conceding, while they’ve offered more defensive resistance than the Japanese, who’ve not been quite as impressive offensively as their semi-final win would have people believe. All things considered, a small bet on Qatar to win and thus lift their first major trophy is the way to go.

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