World Cup 2022 Germany vs Japan, Tips and Predictions

Germany, who are one of the favourites in the outright World Cup betting odds, begin their Group E campaign against Japan at the Khalifa International Stadium on November 23rd. Hansi Flick’s side will be keen to get their tournament off to a winning start, however, their opponents will not necessarily give them an easy ride.

Four-time winners Germany will be desperately hoping to put an underwhelming spell behind them as they aim to significantly improve on their round of 16 exit in Russia 2018. Notwithstanding their embarrassing loss to North Macedonia, Germany made light of their qualifying group and they netted 17 times across their last three matches. This superb run of form also included a revengeful 4-0 victory over North Macedonia.

Japan did not qualify for this tournament until 1998, however, they have subsequently competed in each of the last six World Cups. They are yet to make it beyond the round of 16, crashing out at the same stage in three of their last five appearances. They were very efficient during their qualifying campaign and conceded just once across their last five matches.

10Bet make Germany 1/3 favourites to collect three points in their opening group match. Japan will be looking to keep things tight and they will hope to nick a point. The draw is 19/5 with Bwin.

• Interestingly, these two sides have never previously faced one another at a major tournament. The pair have played out two international friendlies with the most recent meeting ending in an entertaining 2-2 draw. Germany were victorious in their only other meeting.
• Germany – Germany may have scored just two goals at the 2018 World Cup, however, they netted 36 times during the qualification period and conceded on just four occasions. Nevertheless, they have struggled for clean sheets when facing better opposition in the Nations League throughout 2022.
• Japan – Despite crashing out at the Round of 16 stage, Japan claimed their best haul having netted on six occasions. They were defeated in just one of their group stage matches and Colombia are the only team to have beaten them by more than a one goal margin across the last three tournaments.

Germany have struggled to keep clean sheets against better opposition and although they were defensively assured during the qualifying period, they could be susceptible in this opening fixture.

BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE

Japan have shown that they can compete admirably with the bigger sides at major tournaments and they always tend to have plenty of adventure in the final third. Nevertheless, Germany have plenty of firepower to call upon and that may just about swing this tie in their favour.

GERMANY TO WIN AND BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE

There are likely to be plenty of cagey matches during the opening round of fixtures, however, this is unlikely to be one of them. It could be a quick start.

GOAL IN THE FIRST 30 MINUTES

Germany

Germany have disappointed at the last two major tournaments, however, they still boast an impressive roster and they will have plenty of options on the bench if things aren’t going to plan for the 2014 champions.

Key Players: Joshua Kimmich, Leroy Sane.

Team News: Marco Reus will miss the tournament completely and won’t play any part. Timo Werner is also missing from the squad which means Kai Havertz is likely to start this opener. Youssoufa Moukoko is a bit of a wildcard pick and the 17-year old may be given some time from the bench.

Predicted Lineups: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Niklas Sule, Antonio Rudiger, David Raum, Jonas Hofmann, Ilkay Gundogan, Joshua Kimmich, Thomas Muller, Leroy Sane, Timo Werner.

Japan

Japan enjoyed a successful qualifying campaign and they’ll be hoping to progress to the round of 16 in consecutive tournaments for the first time in their history.

Key Players: Takumo Minamino, Wataru Endo

Team News: Yuta Nakayama is out of the tournament, however Ko Itakura has returned from injury in time to feature here. Takumo Asano has also been on the side-lines recently, however, he’s been named in the squad. This game may come too soon for the striker.

Predicted Lineups: Keisuke Osako, Maya Yoshida, Yuta Nakayama, Hiroki Sakai, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Junya Ito, Takefuso Kubo, Takumo Minamino, Wataru Endo, Daichi Kamada, Daizen Maeda.

Japan can be tough opponents and they are likely to ask questions of the German defence. Hansi Flick’s haven’t been as defensively dependable lately and they may struggle to keep a clean sheet.

Bet on Both Teams to Score