Prediction: Japan vs Spain

Prediction: Spain win

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

We’re now in the home stretch of the Summer Olympics and that means we’re getting down to the nitty-gritty of the men’s football tournament. There have been plenty of emerging stars to pop up over the course of the last few weeks but now we’re down to the final four teams. Today, we’re going to take a look at what should be an intriguing semi-final showdown between Japan and Spain with the medal assignments on the horizon.

Japan

Japan have had to rely on a lot of grit and something resembling good fortune in order to reach the final four but at the very least, they’re going to be in a decent position to win a medal with the pressure kind of being off their shoulders. They don’t possess a huge amount of game-changers within their ranks but what they do have is spirit and heart, and we all know how far that can take you in the beautiful game.

Team News

Sakai is back from suspension and should make his way back into the starting XI with Tomiyasu missing out through a suspension of his own. Itakura is expected to feature here with Ueda being tipped to start in what could be a heavily rotated Japan side.

Spain

Spain may not have the most intoxicating style but after bursting into life during their quarter-final against the Ivory Coast with Rafa Mir leading the charge, the momentum in this tournament is well and truly on their side. They’re starting to find their feet as an attacking unit which is what you’d expect from the Spanish, and they’re beginning to come into form at precisely the right time.

Team News

Mingueza is once again expected to miss out through injury here with Gil, who is set to return from suspension, being tipped to replace him. Ceballos is still out of action through an injury of his own with Pedri thus being forced to continue as Mir anticipates a huge few days following his exploits in the quarters.

Factors to Consider

• Spain are considered to be the favourites to win the gold medal with many bookies.
• Japan have won three and drawn one of their games at the Olympics.
• Spain have won two and drawn two of their games at the Olympics.
• Japan have scored seven goals and conceded one at the Olympics.
• Spain have scored seven goals and conceded three at the Olympics.

Conclusion

The home nation spirit of the Japanese may have been enough to get them over the finish line here if it wasn’t for one crucial detail – there are no fans in attendance. As such the Spaniards, who have a team that probably could’ve even rivalled the one they produced at the Euros, should be viewed as the runaway favourites here and it’s really not even that close. We’re backing them to win 3-1 with a high level of comfort throughout en-route to the final.

Prediction: Spain win

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: 888sport