Germany is now on the process of moving forward from their disappointment during Russia 2018 when they meet Japan for their campaign opener. Germany was a disappointment last World Cup after they were eliminated earlier than expected. They are the defending champions of the World Cup then. As for Japan, they also fell short last World Cup, after ending their hopes for a quarter-finals appearance. That could have been their first ever quarter-finals appearance in their World Cup history. Their meeting will be on November 23, 2022, at 9:00 PM (GMT+8).
On their history, Japan never won against Germany, on the four games they met as Germany captured two games, while the remaining two ended in draw. Germany is a team hungry to bounce back from their frustration last World Cup. They won the title four times, and could have been five if only they were better last edition. Japan on the other hand, they are not doing well in the World Cup, winning only one out of their eight games. Luckily, their only win last World Cup is enough for them to enter the Round of 16. However, it did not bring them to the quarter-finals, that is why they want to bounce back this year.
Germany is aiming for their fifth title
Germany eyes their fifth title in their World Cup history after failing to do so in Russia 2018 when they were eliminated by South Korea. However, despite their failure defending their title last year, they are still a clear contenders. In fact, when Hansi Flick started to take over Germany, their squad made a huge progress. Under him, the German squad looks very unstoppable. Their experience is their advantage in their campaign. Before this game, they were able to score a win against Oman in a 1-0 victory. Coming into this game, the are hoping to get the same results once again.
Marco Reus unfortunately suffered a very cruel injury, which made him out in the World Cup. Luckily for Germany, they have Leroy Sane, and Niclas Fullkrug back from Illness. Thomas Muller and Antonio Rudiger are also back for Germany, following their injuries.
Japan wants to finally escape Round of 16
Japan on the other hand has one goal in mind when they entered the World Cup this year. They want to finally qualify for the quarter-finals this time around. Actually, they qualified in the World Cup after finishing at the second spot behind Saudi Arabia in the qualifiers. Inconsistency have always been their problem over the past, which needs to be addressed as early as this match. If they cannot fix their issues, they should not expect to go far in the contest. However, this squad managed to pull off upsets against big teams in football. Currently, the Japanese are in their best form.
Karou Mitoma and Wataru Endo are both coming back for the Japanese team in this game from their illness and injury. Hidemesa Morita on the other hand will be available in this match, after sustaining a calf problem.
Prediction:
Germany (3.0)
Odds: -0.97
Ready to play?
You may place your bets for the FIFA World Cup group stage match between Germany and Japan at Nova88, Asia’s largest and most trusted Online Casino Malaysia. Join and play now!