Japan vs Croatia 12/5/22 World Cup Soccer Picks, Predictions, Odds

Japan and Croatia face off on Monday in a Round of 16 World Cup soccer showdown at Al Janoub Stadium. 

Japan finished in first place of Group E picking up six points. It’s been quite the run so far in the World Cup for this Japan team, but losing here would be a big disappointment. In the first game of the World Cup, Japan was able to beat Germany 2-1. In the second game, though, the offense couldn’t get anything going, and they ended up losing 1-0 against Costa Rica. In the last game against Spain, Japan fell behind 1-0, but it was two goals early in the second half that led them to the victory. Defender Ko Itakura picked up his second yellow card, and he’s not suspended for this game. Takefusa Kubo is dealing with a muscle injury and there are concerns about his status heading into this game. 

On the other side of this matchup is Croatia who finished in second place in Group F picking up five points. Croatia in the group stage was able to win one game, and played to a couple of scoreless draws. In the second game against Canada, they were able to secure a 4-1 victory. Andrej Kramaric scored twice in that game. Borna Sosa is dealing with an injury, and it’s unclear if he’s going to be able to go in this game. Josip Stanisic is dealing with a muscle injury, and he’s expected to miss this game. In this game, Croatia is going to need to find a way to get the offense going early to really put pressure on Japan. 

The way Croatia has looked in the two draws with the offense. I don’t have a lot of faith in them. Japan’s offense has proven to be good, and there is no reason they can’t continue to find offensive success. Look for Japan to score at least two goals, and that will be enough to advance. Back Japan on the money line.