Date: August 2, 2024
Time: 4 PM UK / 5 PM CET / 11 AM ET / 8 AM PT
Venue: Parc Olympique Lyonnais
As the Paris 2024 Olympic football tournament heats up, Japan and Spain are set to face off in a highly anticipated quarter-final clash at Parc Olympique Lyonnais. Both teams are eager to advance, with Japan looking to maintain their flawless run and Spain aiming to overcome recent setbacks.
Match Overview:
Japan’s U23 squad has been impressive, winning all three of their group stage matches in Group D. Their campaign began with a dominant 5-0 victory over Paraguay, followed by narrower wins against Mali and Israel. Japan’s defense has been impeccable, with no goals conceded so far, and they are poised to challenge Spain’s top-tier talent.
Conversely, Spain, who finished second in Group C, experienced a bump in the road in their final group game. After winning their initial matches against Uzbekistan and the Dominican Republic, they fell 2-1 to Egypt, which cost them the top spot in the group. Despite this, Spain’s track record in past Olympic tournaments and their recent performances indicate they remain a formidable opponent.
Also Read – Spain Olympic Football Team
Recent Form:
- Japan: Undefeated with three wins (W W W)
- Spain: Two wins, one loss (W W L)
Team News:
Japan’s standout player Rihito Yamamoto, who scored in the first two group matches, is expected to lead the team once again. However, his recent performance was cut short, raising questions about his fitness, though there are no indications of an injury.
Spain’s coach, Santi Denia, will have a full-strength squad available, with Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi returning from suspension. Denia’s tactical adjustments and key players like Alex Baena and Eric Garcia will be crucial as Spain looks to regain their momentum.
Probability:
- Japan Winning: 25%
- Spain Winning: 60%
- Draw: 15%
While Japan has been impressive defensively, Spain’s experienced lineup and key players returning to form are likely to make a significant impact. Spain’s depth and attacking prowess could prove too much for Japan to handle, allowing La Roja to advance to the semi-finals.
Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting and intense encounter as these two teams battle for a place in the Olympic semi-finals!
