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Japan and Spain square off in the quarter-final of the 2024 Paris Olympics men's football tournament on Friday (August 2) at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.
Japan booked their spot in the last-eight as Group D winners, having garnered maximum points from three games. They concluded their group-stage campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Israel. Mao Hosoya stepped off the bench to score the winner in the first minute of injury time.
Spain, meanwhile, fell to a shock 2-1 defeat to Egypt in their final group game. Pyramids forward Ibrahim Adel broke the deadlock for the Pharoahs in the 40th minute before doubling their lead in the 62nd. Samu Omorodion halved the deficit in the 90th minute, but La Roja were unable to complete the turnaround.
The loss saw them drop to second spot in Group C with six points from three games. This will be a repeat of one of the semi-finals from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Morocco or the USA await the winner of this game in the last-four.
Japan vs Spain Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- This will be the fourth meeting between the two sides at the Olympics. They have one win apiece, while the other ended in a draw.
- Spain needed extra time to claim a 1-0 victory in the Tokyo 2020 semi-final in their most recent meeting with Japan.
- Six of Japan's seven group-stage goals in Paris have come after the break.
- Spain's six group-stage goals have been scored by six different players.
- Japan finished the group stage with a 100% record and were one of two sides to keep a clean sheet in all three games (alongside France)
- Spain conceded before half-time in all three group games.
Japan vs Spain Prediction
Japan were arguably the most dominant side in the group stage and were the only side alongside France to win all three games. They are seeking to qualify for a third semi-final in four Summer Olympics.
Spain, for their part, are targeting a second consecutive final. Santi Denia rang full-scale changes in the defeat to Egypt, with qualification already secured, but he should revert to a full-strength squad with a semi-final appearance on the horizon.
Japan's defence has been rock-solid, so a cagey game could be on the cards. Nevertheless, expect La Roja to triumph with a narrow victory and clean sheet.
Prediction: Japan 0-1 Spain
Japan vs Spain Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Spain to win
Tip 2 - Both teams to score: No
Tip 3 - Under 2.5 goals
Tip 4 - Highest scoring half: Second half
