Monday’s Japan vs. Croatia matchup features one of the surprising teams from the group stage, and their predictions indicate that it could be a much closer contest than some may anticipate.
Japan vs. Croatia Odds Predictions
Croatia is the favorite in this upcoming match, while Japan is the underdog. Look at the table below so you can see the OKBET prediction odds.
| 1×2 | Handicap | Goals O/U | |
| Japan | 3.50 | +0/0/5 2.07 | Over 2/2.5 2.08 |
| Croatia | 2.08 | -0/0.5 1.81 | Under 2/2.5 1.78 |
| Draw | 3.20 |
Japan’s advancement to the round of 16 has been one of the World Cup’s biggest stories. Few predicted that the Samurai Blue would advance to the knockout round in a group that contained Spain and Germany. However, after defeating both, Hajime Moriyasu’s squad will now face Croatia.
After reaching the final in Russia four years ago, the Croatian team possesses a wealth of knowledge, and it takes to advance in this competition. As several players retired, you widely believed that the team’s success had ended. However, they have demonstrated in Qatar that they are still competent.
Japan’s Past Five Matches
In the table below, you will see the last five matches for Japan.
| JPN | 2-1 | ESP |
| JPN | 0-1 | CRC |
| DEU | 1-2 | JPN |
Croatia’s Past Five Matches
In the table below, you will see the last five matches for Croatia.
| HRV | 0-0 | BEL |
| HRV | 4-1 | CAN |
| MAR | 0-0 | HRV |
Japan and Croatia’s Predicting Line-ups
Japan: Gonda, Yoshida, Taniguchi, Ito, Nagatomo, Tanaka, Morita, Ito, Kamada, Doan, Kubo
Croatia: Livakovic, Juranovic, Gvardiol, Lovren, Sosa, Kovacic, Brozovic, Modric, Perisic, Petkovic, Kramaric
Current News for Japan’s Team
Hajime Moriyasu might employ the 3-4-3 shape that was so effective against Spain. The majority of the time, though, it will resemble a 5-4-1 if they are compelled to defend in the same manner. After receiving a second yellow card, he must replace Ko Itakura in the starting XI. Ritsu Dan may start against Croatia after performing well as a substitute.
Current News for Croatia’s Team
Zlatko Dali will rely on a tried-and-true starting XI and be patient as he tries to lead Croatia past a tenacious Japanese defense. However, there could be a change up front. Bruno Petkovic appeared more animated than Marko Livaja when he entered the game with 30 minutes remaining against Belgium, and he could be rewarded with a starting spot on Monday.
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