Japan FC are looking to get their third-straight win in the qualifiers with a win over North Korea FC, when they meet for their qualifying match. These two teams are just next to each other in their group standings, with Japan being ahead of North Korea. Japan are currently at the top of the group standings, as they remain to be unbeaten here. In fact, Japan are heading into this match with aims of winning their third-straight game in the qualifiers. Meanwhile, North Korea are just second in the group standings, but they are coming into this match from a loss. This makes North Korea to bounce back from their loss, as they are aiming for better chances to qualify. The meeting between these two teams is on March 21, 2024, at 6:23 PM (GMT+8).
Japan FC
Japan entered the Asian Cup with high hopes of winning the competition, but a disappointing quarter-final exit followed. A group-stage defeat to Iraq and three goals in games against Vietnam and Indonesia indicated their inability to perform well. In the last eight, Japan faced an impressive Iran side, who overturned a first-half deficit with a last-gasp penalty. However, Japan can now focus on AFC World Cup qualifying action, where they have a stronghold in Group B. They have a 100% record in the qualifiers, defeating Myanmar and Syria 5-0 each in November, with Ayase Ueda scoring five of the 10 goals. Japan will play for the first time since their 2-1 loss to Iran in the AFC Asian Cup quarterfinal in February.
Japan’s Takehiro Tomiyasu is missing, with Koki Machida potentially replacing him. Takakumi Minamino is considered for a recall, and Moriyasu may name his strongest XI for the reverse fixture.
North Korea FC
North Korea, having spent time in the international wilderness, has returned to competitive play after a 1-0 defeat to Syria. Their 6-1 victory in Myanmar has boosted their hopes to join Japan in the next phase. They will face Japan in two fixtures, with the next two fixtures being a double-header against Japan. North Korea has a win and a loss in their last two games in the qualifiers, with a 6-1 win over Myanmar in their campaign opener. This is their first competitive game in four years, since November. They have one win and one loss in the qualifiers, with a 6-1 win over Myanmar. North Korea has been winless in their last eight away matches against Japan, suffering six losses and scoring only five goals.
Sin will select the same players from North Korea’s 6-1 win in Myanmar, hoping to maintain their consistency. Jong Il-gwan scored a hat-trick, adding 29 international goals, while North Korea hopes Han Kwang-song can add to his two strikes from 12 games.
Prediction:
Japan FC (2.0)
Odds: -0.85
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