If you need the best Japan vs Croatia betting tips, we encourage you to follow this preview. In every World Cup tournament, there is at least one odd pairing in the Round of 16 and such a fixture we cover in our Japan vs Croatia betting picks. While you could expect the Croatians to finish second in Group F, probably no one expected Japan to win Group E ahead of Spain and Germany. Still, one of these teams will play in the quarter-finals, but we find it hard to pick a definite favourite. Bookmakers share this feeling as the current Japan vs Croatia odds at bet365 gives Croatia (2.00) only a narrow advantage over Japan (4.00).
Japan vs Croatia Match Information
Japan vs Croatia
Information
Date
5 December 2022
Kick-off Time
6 pm local time
Venue
Al Janoub Stadium
Location
Al Wakrah
Referee
Ismail Elfath (United States)
The longer you analyse this fixture, the easier it is to find arguments for Croatia's win. However, the examples of Germany and Spain should be enough to never underestimate Japan again. Read our Japan vs Croatia betting preview, browse our picks and predictions, and learn which bookmakers offer the most attractive odds for this game.
In World Cup, making a comeback when losing 0-1 at half-time is always extremely difficult. Moreover, it's almost impossible when you're an outsider playing against one of the top teams in the world. But somehow, Japan made not one but two incredible comebacks in the group stage – the first against Germany and the second against Spain. Even though they lost to Costa Rica in the meantime, defeating two European favourites was enough to surprisingly win Group E, which left football fans in shock.
We played against Spain, which is one of the best teams in the world. We knew before the game that this was going to be very tough and difficult, and indeed, it was. The players conceded one goal, but they persisted and they persevered and tried to change the flow of the game. We played as one and I could feel the times had changed. - Hajime Moriyasu after defeating Spain, RTE
On the other hand, Croatia simply did their job in Group F. They might have struggled a little bit against Morocco, finishing with a goalless draw. But later, they took a comfortable victory over Canada and picked a valuable point against Belgium. Although they finished second, you may think it was intentional and planned, as it put the Croatians in the theoretically less demanding half of the knockout-stage bracket.
One thing is sure – Croatia is pleased with getting Japan, while Japan shouldn't complain about playing against Croatia. Will Japan reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in history, or will Croatia prolong its dream to repeat the success from four years ago? We'll see on 5 December once this match kicks off at 6 pm local time at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah. Whoever wins will see their chances enhanced in our betting guide to the World Cup final with tips, odds, and predictions chosen by our JohnnyBet experts in the related article.
1.1 Head-to-head Record
Before you start betting on Japan vs Croatia, it's good to look at their previous meetings. Two of the three matches between these teams were in the World Cup group stages. In 1998, Croatia won 1-0, while in 2006, there was a goalless draw. Interestingly enough, young Luka Modric played in that second game, marking his World Cup debut. Outside this competition, Japan defeated Croatia 4-3 in a friendly game back in 1997.
1.2 Predicted Lineups
With Tomiyasu cleared to play, Japan finally has all players available except the suspended Itakura, and it'll be interesting to see how they line up against Croatia. We suspect they can approach this game from an outsider's perspective, similar to how they played against Germany and Spain. There are some possible changes regarding the last group-stage match, especially with Kubo dealing with a minor knock, so waiting for the confirmed XI is a good idea before you place your Japan vs Croatia bets.
In Croatia, we don't expect any changes ahead of the clash against Japan. In every formation, players' performances are solid, and Dalic has no reason to rotate. Physically, the Croatians are well-prepared, which helps them stick to the strongest XI even for the whole tournament. There's uncertainty about whether Sosa will be fit; if not, he could be replaced by Barisic as Stanisic has a muscle injury. Again, the midfield led by Modric, Brozovic, and Kovacic might be the key to success.
2. Japan vs Croatia Betting Odds
bet365, Pinnacle, and 1XBET are among the top bookmakers who have already released their Japan vs Croatia winner betting odds. We're not surprised by the prices, although they may favour Croatia a little bit too much. With bet365, you can get almost 2.00 for the European side to win, while the Asian team is at around 4.00. Japan vs Croatia final score odds have a draw available at over 3.00.
Japan vs Croatia | Total Goals Under/Over - Best odds
Other Japan vs Croatia betting lines include a fair price for under 2.5 goals scored and shockingly high values for both teams to score. If you want to take advantage of arguably the best Japan vs Croatia match odds, we encourage you to stick to what Pinnacle, 1XBET, and bet365 have to offer. Once you reveal how great odds they offer for all World Cup matches and markets, you will see their worth your time.
2.1 Correct Score Odds
As we don't expect too many goals in this game, we can quickly go through the latest Japan vs Croatia correct score betting odds. If you remember how Croatia played four years ago, you can assume there'll be extra time. In that case, we want you to consider a 0-0 or 1-1 draw as both these results are at great Japan vs Croatia final score odds. Alternatively, you can follow a narrow 1-0 Croatia win.
It's time to share our Japan vs Croatia betting tips. First, we want to focus on the total number of goals. No, we don't expect a beautiful match with many goal opportunities. Instead, we think it'll be a chess-like game in which both teams' main focus will be on not conceding a goal. Therefore, our best Japan vs Croatia betting prediction is under 2.5 or even under 1.5 goals.
Moving on with our Japan vs Croatia predictions, we don't get carried away by bookmakers who see Croatia as a slight favourite. For us, this match is a perfect environment for extra time, so our Japan vs Croatia full match prediction is a draw. Moreover, you can also consider backing a clean sheet for the Croatians, which concludes our Japan vs Croatia prediction betting guide.
What about a good Japan vs Croatia score prediction? After analysing current betting odds and forms presented by both teams in the group stage, we have some tips for you if you want to bet on the correct score. Don't think about results rich in goals. Instead, our safe Japan vs Croatia correct score betting prediction is for a 0-0 or 1-1 draw, with both these results available at very attractive prices with bet365 and Pinnacle.
3.2 Japan vs Croatia Free Bet
If you don't have an account at bet365, don't hesitate and open one with our links and promo code. After meeting the welcome offer requirements, new players can receive a standard bonus in free bet credits worth up to €50 you can use as Japan vs Croatia free bets. Similar offers are available at Unibet and William Hill, while at 1XBET, you can get our exclusive first-deposit promo worth 100% up to €130 by using our links and dedicated bonus code.
4.1 ⚽ What is the Japan vs Croatia date and venue?
Japan will face Croatia on 5 December, with the kick-off at 6 pm local time. This encounter will take place at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah.
4.2 ⚽ Has Croatia ever played against Japan?
Yes, both teams have met three times, including two games in the World Cup tournaments. Croatia has an even record of one win, one draw, and one loss.
4.3 ⚽ What are the latest Japan vs Croatia winner odds?
bet365 and Pinnacle favour Croatia and see them as a slight favourite to win. The Europeans are available at around 2.00, while Japan is an outsider at just below 4.00.
4.4 ⚽ What is the best Japan vs Croatia match prediction?
Considering the stake and their performances in the group stage, we advise you to bet on under 2.5 goals scored - a result which is the safest from our Japan vs Croatia betting tips.
Japan vs Croatia Betting Tips
If you need the best Japan vs Croatia betting tips, we encourage you to follow this preview. In every World Cup tournament, there is at least one odd pairing in the Round of 16 and such a fixture we cover in our Japan vs Croatia betting picks. While you could expect the Croatians to finish second in Group F, probably no one expected Japan to win Group E ahead of Spain and Germany. Still, one of these teams will play in the quarter-finals, but we find it hard to pick a definite favourite. Bookmakers share this feeling as the current Japan vs Croatia odds at bet365 gives Croatia (2.00) only a narrow advantage over Japan (4.00).
Japan vs Croatia Match Information
The longer you analyse this fixture, the easier it is to find arguments for Croatia's win. However, the examples of Germany and Spain should be enough to never underestimate Japan again. Read our Japan vs Croatia betting preview, browse our picks and predictions, and learn which bookmakers offer the most attractive odds for this game.
Contents
1. Japan vs Croatia Preview
In World Cup, making a comeback when losing 0-1 at half-time is always extremely difficult. Moreover, it's almost impossible when you're an outsider playing against one of the top teams in the world. But somehow, Japan made not one but two incredible comebacks in the group stage – the first against Germany and the second against Spain. Even though they lost to Costa Rica in the meantime, defeating two European favourites was enough to surprisingly win Group E, which left football fans in shock.
On the other hand, Croatia simply did their job in Group F. They might have struggled a little bit against Morocco, finishing with a goalless draw. But later, they took a comfortable victory over Canada and picked a valuable point against Belgium. Although they finished second, you may think it was intentional and planned, as it put the Croatians in the theoretically less demanding half of the knockout-stage bracket.
One thing is sure – Croatia is pleased with getting Japan, while Japan shouldn't complain about playing against Croatia. Will Japan reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in history, or will Croatia prolong its dream to repeat the success from four years ago? We'll see on 5 December once this match kicks off at 6 pm local time at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah. Whoever wins will see their chances enhanced in our betting guide to the World Cup final with tips, odds, and predictions chosen by our JohnnyBet experts in the related article.
1.1 Head-to-head Record
Before you start betting on Japan vs Croatia, it's good to look at their previous meetings. Two of the three matches between these teams were in the World Cup group stages. In 1998, Croatia won 1-0, while in 2006, there was a goalless draw. Interestingly enough, young Luka Modric played in that second game, marking his World Cup debut. Outside this competition, Japan defeated Croatia 4-3 in a friendly game back in 1997.
1.2 Predicted Lineups
With Tomiyasu cleared to play, Japan finally has all players available except the suspended Itakura, and it'll be interesting to see how they line up against Croatia. We suspect they can approach this game from an outsider's perspective, similar to how they played against Germany and Spain. There are some possible changes regarding the last group-stage match, especially with Kubo dealing with a minor knock, so waiting for the confirmed XI is a good idea before you place your Japan vs Croatia bets.
Japan: Gonda – Tomiyasu, Yoshida, Taniguchi, Nagatomo – Tanaka, Morita – Doan, Kamada, Ito – Maeda
Croatia: Livakovic – Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Barisic – Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic – Kramaric, Livaja, Perisic
In Croatia, we don't expect any changes ahead of the clash against Japan. In every formation, players' performances are solid, and Dalic has no reason to rotate. Physically, the Croatians are well-prepared, which helps them stick to the strongest XI even for the whole tournament. There's uncertainty about whether Sosa will be fit; if not, he could be replaced by Barisic as Stanisic has a muscle injury. Again, the midfield led by Modric, Brozovic, and Kovacic might be the key to success.
2. Japan vs Croatia Betting Odds
bet365, Pinnacle, and 1XBET are among the top bookmakers who have already released their Japan vs Croatia winner betting odds. We're not surprised by the prices, although they may favour Croatia a little bit too much. With bet365, you can get almost 2.00 for the European side to win, while the Asian team is at around 4.00. Japan vs Croatia final score odds have a draw available at over 3.00.
Other Japan vs Croatia betting lines include a fair price for under 2.5 goals scored and shockingly high values for both teams to score. If you want to take advantage of arguably the best Japan vs Croatia match odds, we encourage you to stick to what Pinnacle, 1XBET, and bet365 have to offer. Once you reveal how great odds they offer for all World Cup matches and markets, you will see their worth your time.
2.1 Correct Score Odds
As we don't expect too many goals in this game, we can quickly go through the latest Japan vs Croatia correct score betting odds. If you remember how Croatia played four years ago, you can assume there'll be extra time. In that case, we want you to consider a 0-0 or 1-1 draw as both these results are at great Japan vs Croatia final score odds. Alternatively, you can follow a narrow 1-0 Croatia win.
3. Japan vs Croatia Prediction
It's time to share our Japan vs Croatia betting tips. First, we want to focus on the total number of goals. No, we don't expect a beautiful match with many goal opportunities. Instead, we think it'll be a chess-like game in which both teams' main focus will be on not conceding a goal. Therefore, our best Japan vs Croatia betting prediction is under 2.5 or even under 1.5 goals.
Moving on with our Japan vs Croatia predictions, we don't get carried away by bookmakers who see Croatia as a slight favourite. For us, this match is a perfect environment for extra time, so our Japan vs Croatia full match prediction is a draw. Moreover, you can also consider backing a clean sheet for the Croatians, which concludes our Japan vs Croatia prediction betting guide.
3.1 Score Prediction
What about a good Japan vs Croatia score prediction? After analysing current betting odds and forms presented by both teams in the group stage, we have some tips for you if you want to bet on the correct score. Don't think about results rich in goals. Instead, our safe Japan vs Croatia correct score betting prediction is for a 0-0 or 1-1 draw, with both these results available at very attractive prices with bet365 and Pinnacle.
3.2 Japan vs Croatia Free Bet
If you don't have an account at bet365, don't hesitate and open one with our links and promo code. After meeting the welcome offer requirements, new players can receive a standard bonus in free bet credits worth up to €50 you can use as Japan vs Croatia free bets. Similar offers are available at Unibet and William Hill, while at 1XBET, you can get our exclusive first-deposit promo worth 100% up to €130 by using our links and dedicated bonus code.
4. Japan vs Croatia FAQ
4.1 ⚽ What is the Japan vs Croatia date and venue?
Japan will face Croatia on 5 December, with the kick-off at 6 pm local time. This encounter will take place at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah.
4.2 ⚽ Has Croatia ever played against Japan?
Yes, both teams have met three times, including two games in the World Cup tournaments. Croatia has an even record of one win, one draw, and one loss.
4.3 ⚽ What are the latest Japan vs Croatia winner odds?
bet365 and Pinnacle favour Croatia and see them as a slight favourite to win. The Europeans are available at around 2.00, while Japan is an outsider at just below 4.00.
4.4 ⚽ What is the best Japan vs Croatia match prediction?
Considering the stake and their performances in the group stage, we advise you to bet on under 2.5 goals scored - a result which is the safest from our Japan vs Croatia betting tips.