Japan begin their unlikely World Cup quarterfinal quest against tournament debutants Chile at the Stadium Municipal on Sunday.
Japan v Chile
Sunday 10 September
Stadium Municipal
Japan 1/66 | Draw 40/1 | Chile 10/1
Despite their impressive performances at the last World Cup in their home country, Japan haven’t achieved the results one would have expected of them since then. Instead, Jamie Joseph’s side head into France 2023 without much in the way of hype or momentum, and, in a pool which also consists of Argentina and England, aren’t expected to replicate their last eight heroics of four years ago.
That said, the Brave Blossoms should have no trouble seeing off first-timers Chile to get their campaign up and running. As is the case with most underdog teams, any kind of resistance offered by the South Americans will be cheered by the neutrals but Japan should have no trouble picking up a bonus point win.
Chile (22.5) 10/11.
