Netherlands vs Japan Betting Tips: World Cup Best Bets

One of the more hotly anticipated World Cup group stage games takes place on Sunday night. Group F's opening game sees Netherlands take on Japan, both countries looking to go far and make their mark on the tournament. Neither would be among the strong favourites to lift the trophy, but Ronald Koeman and Hajime Moriyasu will be seeking to reach the furthest round possible.

Equally, the build-up for both teams has been sketchy. Japan have lost two key players to injury, while the Dutch have been blighted by inconsistent performances.

Netherlands vs Japan Prediction

Wataru Endo and Kauro Mitoma's absences will be keenly felt for Japan throughout the tournament. Endo's stabilising presence and Mitoma's direct dribbling our losses that may limit their potential, but in a one-off match and in such good form, Japan are likely to get a result against a Netherlands team struggling for momentum.

The Samurai Blue have won their last six matches. All may have been friendlies, but two were against Brazil and England, the latter at Wembley. They know how to take down big hitters, primarily with quick transition football off a solid foundation. They have kept five clean sheets on the bounce and were utterly dominant in Asian qualifying, securing their passage to the tournament before all other nations bar the hosts.

Netherlands also sailed through qualifying though not as impressively as they may have done given their group. They drew both games with Poland and required a 90th minute winner in Lithuania. Their two warm-up games have hardly inspired either: a 1-0 loss to Algeria and a 98th-minute last gasp 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan.

The Oranje have the stronger personnel, especially given their opposition's injuries, but form brings Japan right into the equation. Koeman's side have not kept a clean sheet in six and come up against the Eredivisie's top scorer Ayase Ueda, who notched 25 league goals for Feyenoord. If anyone is likely to score, it is him, though injuries suggest either a narrow victory for Japan or a draw is most likely. A draw is slightly preferred in these early exchanges of the competition.

Prediction: Netherlands 1-1 Japan

Netherlands Team News

Only one substantial injury has blighted the Netherlands in advance of North America. Arsenal right back Jurrien Timber will miss the entire tournament and so Denzel Dumfries can be expected to start at right back. The remainder of the defensive system will all likely be Premier League-based.

Jan Paul van Hecke of Brighton and Liverpool captain Van Dijk will be centre back partnerships in front of the former's teammate Bart Verbruggen in goal. Micky Van de Ven could well operate as a left back for his national side, contrary to his role at Tottenham. A tight midfield trio of de Jong, Gravenberch and Reijnders will support a front three.

All-time top scorer Memphis Depay may well be relegated to the bench behind Roma's in-form Donyell Malen. Further English club representation is expected on the wings courtesy of Crysencio Summerville and Cody Gakpo.

Expected Netherlands XI: Verbruggen; Dumfries, van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven;de Jong, Gravenberch, Reijnders; Summerville, Gakpo, Malen

Japan Team News

Endo and Mitoma may have been two integral cogs, but that is all in such a well-drilled machine. Moriyasu favours three centre backs, with former Arsenal man Takehiro Tomiyasu, Bayern Muncih's Hiroki Ito and Tsuyoshi Watanabe the most likely favoured trio. Zion Suzuki starts in goal.

Ritsu Doan and Keita Nakamura started against Iceland as wing backs. Both have over ten goals for their country so pose a threat, while Japan have a central midfield unit blooded in the Premier League: Daichi Kamada of Crystal Palace and Ao Tanaka of Leeds.

The dangerous Takefusa Kubo, along with Junya Ito, are expected to provide attacking support for starting striker Ayase Ueda. 

Expected Japan XI: Suzuki; Tomiyasu, Ito, Watanabe; Doan, Kamada, Tanaka, Nakamura; Kubo, Ito; Ueda

Netherlands vs Japan Head-To-Head

On the three occasions these two nations have met, the Netherlands remain unbeaten. They have won two of those three meetings, including a 1-0 win in the group stage of the 2010 World Cup. They went on to reach the final.

Their most recent encounter came in November 2013, in which they played out a 2-2 draw.

Who Is The Referee For Netherlands Vs Japan?

The referee for this match will be MLS official Ismail Elfath. He has refereed in the United States' primary league since 2012.

The Moroccan born referee was the fourth official at the 2022 World Cup final. He also officiated at the tournament himself and was in charge when Japan were eliminated by Croatia on penalties in the last 16 in Qatar.

Where is Netherlands Vs Japan Being Played?

Netherlands vs Japan will take place at the home of the Dallas Cowboys: the AT&T Stadium. The arena boasts a capacity of 80,000 and temperatures will reach 30 degrees celcius close to kick off.

Netherlands vs Japan Frequently Asked Questions