Japan vs Croatia Prediction, Free Betting Tips & Odds

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Date: Monday 5th December 2022.

Kick-off: 15:00 PM UK

Venue: Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah-Qatar

TV: ITV TBC, STV TBC, ITVX, STV Player

Prediction 1

BTTS

21/20 (2.05)

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Prediction 2

Under 2.5 Goals

57/100 (1.57)

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Prediction 3

1-0 to Japan

17/2 (9.50)

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The odds are accurate at the writing time and subject to change.

Japan's head coach, Hajime Morisau, change tactics that knocked Germany out of the 2022 World and he didn't stop short of praising his side for a strong showing. Moriyasu's men will now clash with 2018 finalists, Croatia in the round 16 knockout match-up today at Al Janoub Stadium. USA referee Ismail Elfath will be in charge of the Japan vs Croatia round 16. And taking ahead of today's clash with Japan, Croatia's head coach, Zlatko, has urged his team not to underestimate the round 16 opponents, Japan.

Japan and Croatia are set to clash in Round 16 of the 2022 World Cup. The game kicks off at 15:00 PM UK time on Monday, 5th December at Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah, Qatar. We have a detailed preview of the fixture in this post. Read on to bet on the best free Japan vs Croatia World Cup 2022 predictions.

Japan vs Croatia: Round 16 World Cup Predictions by Football Ground Guide

Japan surprised doubters in the 2022 World Cup. On the other hand, Croatia was expected to go as far as possible in this World Cup having reached the finals in the 2018 tournament. But will the Checkered Ones contain a resilient Japanese side that is determined to take the giants head-on? Here is our best Japan vs Croatia World Cup predictions by Football Ground Guide:

Team to Score Prediction: Both Teams to Score

Our first Japan vs Croatia vs Japan prediction is for both teams to score at odds 19/20 (1.95). Round 16 of the 2022 World Cup is where the show begins. Both teams have made it this far on merit. While Japan’s scoring prowess is something to consider in this game, Croatia looks to reach another final and boasts a strong defence in this game. Both teams scored four goals in the three group-stage games.

Total Goals Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals

The second prediction for Japan vs Croatia is under 2.5 goals for odds 33/50 (1.66) on matchday. The knockout stage is always the beginning of real action in a World Cup and Japan vs Croatia will be one exciting game between two good opponents. Japan was in one of the toughest groups featuring Spain, Costa Rica and Germany. Surprisingly, the defeated favourites Germany and Spain, so we don’t expect them to go down easily at this stage. Bet on a tough duel that is likely to yield fewer than 3 goals.

Correct Score Prediction: 1-0 to Japan

Our last Japan vs Croatia is a 1-0 to Japan’s Samurai Blue. Defeating former World Cup winners, Germany and Spain was proof of great things to expect from Japan in the 2022 World Cup. They lost the weakest side, Costa Rica, in Group E. On the other hand, 2018 World Cup finalists, Spain could not score against Morocco and Belgium in the group stages. They only found their way past Canada, the weakest team in Group F and which made their way to a World Cup after 36 years. Japan is our pick to win narrowly by a goal to nil.

Japan vs Croatia Round 16, World Cup 2022 Fixture Preview

Japan

Japan’s chances of progressing beyond round 16 became evident in their last group-stage match against Spain. The Japanese grabbed a 2-1 winner in the game after coming from 1-nil down. Despite scoring early in the game in the 11^th minute, Spain couldn’t score another. A dramatic second half saw Japan score twice to progress to round 16. Croatia is a familiar foe, so expect another great performance from the Japanese in this game. They scored four goals from similar wins of 2-1 in the group stage, we expect them to equally find the back of the net in this round 16 clash with Croatia.

Japan predicted lineup ahead of the round 16 clash with Croatia is as follows:

Shuohi Gonda, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Maya Yoshida, Shogo Taniguchi, Junya Ito, Hidemasa Morita, Ao Tanaka, Yuto Nagamoto, Daichi Kamada, Daizen Maeda, and Takefusa Kubo.

Croatia

Head coach, Zlatko is upbeat about his side progressing beyond the round of 16 in the 2022 World Cup. He has, however, cautioned his team to respect the opponents. The Croatian head coach has also said he is sure Luca Modric will play for Croatia more, and that this will not be the last game for the 37-year-old. Modric captained the Checkered One to the finals in 2018 and will be to help them get far in the 2022 World Cup.

Croatia is on the radar of everyone watching the 2022 World Cup. Will they go all the way to the finals as they did in 2018? The Checkered Ones reached this far in the 2022 World Cup on five points from the group stage. They may have failed to score in two of the three group-stage matches, but one thing stands out. Croatia is prepared defensively to take on high-pressing teams like Japan. However, the lack of reliable goal scorers is something we have witnessed and expect the Croatian coach, Zlatko Dalic to address at this point.

Croatia predicted lineup against Japan in round 16:

Dominik Ivakovic, Borna Barisic, Josko Gvardiol, Dejan Lovren, Josip Juranovic, Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic, Luka Modric, Andrej Kramaric, Bruno Petkovic, and Ivan perisic.