By cy.Reporter, 25 November, 2022
Japan-Costa Rica, fifth group, second matchday, stadium: "Ahmed Bin Ali", referee: Michael Oliver, RIK
Japan: Can qualify from today
After the upset victory over Germany, Japan needs one more victory this time against Costa Rica, in order to reach the six points and with a win or a draw between Spain and Germany to qualify for the next phase. In the team's competitive matters, Sakai and Tomiyasu will probably be out.
Costa Rica: Show a better face
They want to leave behind them and forget the premiere and the 7-0 defeat by Spain in Costa Rica. So even a draw will be an important result. In terms of competition, there are no absences, but the team's morale is at a low level.
Japan: 4-3-3: Goal: Goda, Defenders: Yamane, Itakura, Yoshida, Nagatomo, Midfielders: Kamadam Edo, Tanaka, Forwards: Doan, Asano, Ito
Costa Rica: 4-4-2: Goal: Navas, Defenders: Fuller, Calvo, Duarte, Oviedo, Midfielders: Ruiz, Borges, Tegeda, Bennett, Forwards: Campbell, Contreras
MATCH STATISTICS
· In three of Japan's last five matches, there have been over 2.5 goals scored
· In two of Japan's last five meetings, both teams have scored
· In three of Costa Rica's last five matches, one team has scored.
Belgium, Morocco, sixth group, second matchday, stadium: "Al Touma", referee: Cesar Arturo Ramos, RIK, 15:00
Belgium: To double the wins
He may not have wanted Belgium with his presence, but he was able to and celebrated the three points of the victory against Canada. So with a victory today against Morocco, he will actually be in the next round. In competitive matters, Lukaku may have trained, but he will be on the bench.
Morocco: Get another positive result
Against Croatia, Morocco showed that it will be a difficult opponent and that no one should underestimate it. So today he will try to get another positive result. In terms of competition, Mazraui will probably miss the game due to injury, while Hakimi is also doubtful.
Belgium: 3-4-3: Goal: Courtois, Defenders: Dentonker, Alderweilerd, Vertonghen, Midfielders: Meunier, Onana, Witzel, Castagne, Forwards: De Bruyne, Batshuayi, Hazard
Morocco: 4-3-3: Goal: Bounou, defenders: Hakimi, Sais, Aguird, Atiyat, midfielders: Unahi, Amrabad, Amallah, Forwards: Zigieh, En Nesiri, Boufal
MATCH STATISTICS
· There have been fewer than 2.5 goals scored in three of Belgium's five matches
· Both teams have scored in two of Belgium's last five matches
· There have been fewer than 2.5 goals scored in four of Morocco's last five matches.
Croatia-Canada, second matchday, sixth group, stadium: "Kalifa", 18:00, referee: Andres Matonde, RIK
Croatia: To achieve the first victory
After the opening draw with Morocco, Croatia needs a win to be in the positions leading to the knockout stage and fight for the top spot in the final match against Belgium. In terms of competition, Domagoi Vida is doubtful due to muscle problems, Pasalic will probably be in the starting line-up.
Canada: Missed an important opportunity
The penalty missed by Davies may turn out to be decisive for Canada's continuation in the competition. Defeat to Belgium left them bottom of the group and they need a positive result against Croatia to hope for qualification. In terms of competition, there are no problems with injuries or absences.
Croatia: 4-3-3: Goal: Livakovic, Defenders: Juranovic, Guardiol, Lovren, Barisic, Midfielders: Brozovic, Kovacic, Modric, Forwards: Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic
Canada: 3-4-3: Goal: Boryan, Defenders: Johnston, Vitoria, Miller, Midfielders: Laria, Hutchinson, Eustaquio, Davies, Forwards: Buchanan, David, Hoilett
MATCH STATISTICS
· There have been under 2.5 goals in three of Croatia's last five matches
· Both teams have scored in two of Croatia's last five meetings.
· There have been fewer than 2.5 goals in three of Canada's last five games
Spain-Germany, fifth group, second matchday, stadium: "Al Bait", referee: Danny Makeli, 21:00, RIK
Spain: To continue with the same performance
After the excellent match and performance against Costa Rica, Spain will be looking to double up against Germany and show how they will live up to those high performance standards. In terms of competition, there are no absences and everyone is ready for tonight's match.
Germany: To recover after the shock
Germany is in an extremely difficult position, as after the defeat by Japan, one more by Spain could mean elimination. So the Panthers want a positive result to stay alive for the qualification. In racing matters, Sane has not fully overcome his injury.
Spain: 4-3-3: Goal: Simon, Defenders: Carvajal, Rodrigo, Laporte, Alba, Midfielders: Pedri, Busquets, Gavi, Forwards: Ferran Torres, Asensio, Olmo
Germany: 4-2-3-1: Goal: Neuer, Defenders: Kerr, Sule, Sloterbeck, Raum, Midfielders: Kimmich, Gundogan, Wings: Hoffmann, Miller, Musiala, Striker: Havertz
MATCH STATISTICS
· In three of Spain's last five matches, there have been over 2.5 goals scored
· In two of Spain's last five meetings, both teams have scored
· In two of Germany's five matches there have been less than 2.5 goals scored.