Group E leaders with do battle with second-placed Japan in their third and final group match at the Khalifa International Stadium on Thursday evening. Both sides will definitely look to collect maximum points, having failed to do so in their previous outings.
To Win Match
Japan 7/1 | Draw 10/3 | Spain 2/5
Japan were tipped by many to collect all three points on Sunday against Costa Rica following a shock 2-1 comeback victory over Germany in their opening Group E fixture.
However, the Blue Samurai were condemned to a slender 1-0 defeat by their Central American counterparts, with Keysher Fuller scoring the decisive goal – nine minutes from time to blow Group E wide open ahead of the final round of fixtures.
They remain on the hunt for a successive Round of 16 progression and are well aware that a victory against La Roja will confirm their qualification.
A draw for them could be enough to edge them through if Costa Rica fail to beat Germany or if the latter fail to win by two or more goals, but a defeat against the 2010 champions would knock them out of the competition.
Spain will be confident of returning to winning ways on Thursday as they have never lost in five previous World Cup meetings against Asian opposition in 90 minutes – a penalty shoot-out defeat to South Korea back in 2002 is one small blemish on their copybook.
They have also won their final group fixture in eight of their last nine participations at the World Cup, with a 2-2 draw against Morocco in 2018 the only exception during this run.
Spanish coach Luis Enrique will be hoping that Gavi is declared fit to play a part in this encounter, after the 18-year-old midfielder was absent from training due to a minor injury.
In addition, captain Sergio Busquets – who is one booking away from a suspension – is set to be rested, so there could be two midfield spots up for grabs, with Koke, Carlos Soler and Marcos Llorente all hoping to start their first game in Qatar.
Verdict: Spain (2/5)
Japan’s inconsistency in their opening two group matches makes it difficult to see them win on Thursday. They are the underdogs in this fixture though – a label they will relish as they did against Germany.
Meanwhile, Spain have made a strong start to this World Cup and should come out on top of their group without a loss.
