Continue the 8th final and this time, we will analyze in detail the Belgium vs Japan forecast. The Belgian side leaves as a favorite due to the collective and offensive potential that it possesses, which allowed it to win its first two matches of the group in a calm and forceful way. For this reason and even when the “Nipponese” are competitive between the lines, we believe that the bet “Belgium will score more 1.5 goals” is interesting to consider. He paints to be a duel dominated by those led by Roberto Martinez, being vital that they are effective facing the opposing goal. Therefore, we believe they have what it takes to score a goal and then convert another to ensure the final victory.
Belgium:
The Belgians defeated England 1-0 in a rare match that was marked by what suited each short-term team (the most affordable World Cup route to the final). Both sets put substitutes and the game was boring for much of the 90 minutes of play. However, before this match, Roberto Martínez’s team had clearly defeated Panama and Tunisia (thrashed 3-0 and 5-2). In both presentations, stood out Mertens, Hazard, De Bruyne and Witsel, elements that handle the ball very well and that have a lot of criteria to build goal plays. Up the manager to define them was Romelu Lukaku, who has 4 goals in the World Cup. Of course, he did not play against the English as a precaution. The ideal is that it is fine in the definition and that it takes advantage of its physical strength to overcome the Asian defenders.
If we try to visualize what Belgium will try to do in the match, we believe that it will look for the serve ball, trying to attack by the wings and by the center of the field. Therefore, it is expected that the team can score a goal in the first half and between 3 to 5 corners in that stage. Remember that the team led by coach Martinez is very complete, being perhaps the best there is in Russia (he has many variations in each position, noticing the victory that the substitutes had against the B team in England). In the goal, Courtois is still confident, always getting one or two important balls per game. The ideal is that the defensive trident formed by Vertonghen, Boyata and Alderweireld is attentive, as it will surely play ahead in the midfield to try to reduce the court and press everything to Japan.
Japan:
The Japanese lost 0-1 to Poland in their last presentation of the group, but managed to qualify 8th thanks to the Colombian victory against Senegal. The team had everything to not complicate it so much, but it did it in an incredible way. Yes, the decision of coach Nishino was quite controversial, since he made important variations in the starting lineup without having completely closed his place to the next phase of the competition. In the end, the Asians, aware of what was happening in the other game, handled the ball in their field without risking and waiting only for the referee’s final whistle. Despite this, it remains a competitive and level selection thanks to their collective work. That yes, its lack of hierarchy before rivals of weight, could pass bill to him in this occasion.
For this duel, the Asians are expected to pull back their lines, trying to populate the midfield and go on the attack with some punctual counterattack. Stopping balls will also be important for their interests, since a free kick near the area, a side or a corner could allow them to reach the goal. Luckily for their aspirations, the 4-2-3-1 system implemented by their coach, serves to be balanced and not end badly in defense (correct transition defense-attack and attack-defense). A detail to consider of this set is the good foot of his players, fact that surprises due to the good changes of game that they do and especially because they elaborate several walls when leaving playing from the midfield. The following players will be vital for Japan (Inui, Kagawa and goalscorer Osako). From the bench could also provide Okazaki and Honda, elements that play in Leicester and Pachuca respectively.
The last direct match between the two selected was in November 2017. On that occasion, Belgium won the game 1-0, after having matched 0-0 the initial stage. In the end, the goal was scored by striker Romelu Lukaku at minute 72 of the game.
PREDICTION: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.78
