A clash of styles looks to be on the cards on Monday afternoon as Japan face Croatia in the last-16 of the World Cup.
The Samurai Blue shocked both Germany and Spain 2-1 to top Group E, but struggled in the only game they were expected to win, a 1-0 reverse against Costa Rica.
Croatia finished as runners-up in Group F after recording 0-0 draws against Morocco and Belgium, with their most enterprising display coming after conceding just two minutes into their 4-1 win over Canada.
However, they are an experienced tournament team, having reached the final in Russia four years ago and they know how to grind out results.
Japan vs Croatia Betting Tips
- Draw/Croatia @ 18/5
- #PickYourPunt - Both teams to score - 'No', Croatia over 3.5 shots on target and Japan to pick up more booking points @ 9/2
Team News
Japan have no fresh injury concerns but will be without Ko Itakura, who received his second yellow card of the competition against Spain and is therefore suspended.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is likely to take his place in defence, while Wataru Endo could come back into the side after a knock meant he could only appear from the bench against La Roja.
Hajime Moriyasu has several selection dilemmas of the good kind, with the likes of Ritsu Doan and Kaoru Mitoma pushing for starts
Opposite number Zlatko Dalic has already confirmed that he has a full squad to select from and may look to freshen things up in attack.
Neither Andrej Kramaric nor Marko Livaja impressed against Belgium and the likes of Bruno Petkovic, Mislav Orsic, Nikola Vlasic and Mario Pasalic will have been working hard in training in a bid to break into the side.
One thing Dalic may have in his mind is bookings. Both Dejan Lovren and Luka Modric are a card away from being suspended for the quarter-finals and the coach could look to manage this situation if his team look comfortable in the latter stages of this game.
Latest Japan vs Croatia Betfred Odds
Draw/Croatia @ 18/5
Croatia found themselves level at half-time in two of their Group F matches and will not feel uncomfortable in that situation.
This team is well-versed in going the distance, playing extra-time in all three of the knockout rounds leading up to the final in 2018 before losing 4-2 to France.
However, while they got the results, fatigue arguably caught up with them in Russia and they will want to get things done earlier this time around. Expect them to grow into the game.
#PickYourPunt - Both teams to score - 'No', Croatia over 3.5 shots on target and Japan to pick up more booking points @ 9/2
At time of writing, both last-16 ties have seen each side score, but Vatreni's knowhow and game management provoke a feeling that they will be happy to remain patient and take their chances when they come.
A third clean sheet of the competition could beckon for the 2018 beaten finalists, but do not expect them to be shot-shy, having had four or more against both Canada and Belgium.
Discipline could also be something to look out for.
While neither have particularly bad records, Japan are good at disrupting their rivals and may pick up more yellow cards than their opposition on Monday, having done just that against Spain.
World Cup Betting Odds
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