World Cup 2022 match review: Spain vs. Japan
Japan has both caused and suffered a World Cup upset, and should now win against Spain to qualify for the last 16.
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When: Thursday, December 1st, 10 p.m. (19:00 GMT)
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FIFA ranking: Spain (7), Japan (24)
Japan has been an erratic group in this competition for a long time. They unexpectedly beat Germany in their most memorable match, but then lost to Costa Rica, whom everyone expected them to beat.
The Samurai Blue, who are currently level on goals with Costa Rica, must defeat Spain if they are to advance to the last 16. They could still qualify with a draw, but this would be contingent on the outcome of the other game in the group, between Germany and Costa Rica.
As a result, Spain will qualify with either a draw or a win. If they lose and one of the other games ends in a win for either Germany or Costa Rica, Spain will not qualify.
La Roja dominated Costa Rica in their most memorable match, defeating them 7-0 with six different players scoring. They then played an excellent 1-1 draw with Germany on Sunday at Al Bayt Arena.
The two groups have only met once before in a 2001 friendly, which Spain won 1-0.
