Japan v Spain betting tips: Hosts out to cause another shock

Spain have had plenty of challenges and have not quite managed to ignite as many anticipated they would. Their only group success came with a single-goal win over Australia, and they shared draws with Egypt and Argentina.

In terms of Japan v Spain betting tips, a draw after 90 minutes at Saitama Stadium (below) is on offer at 9/4.

Spain needed 120 minutes to negotiate their quarter-final when Rafa Mir was the hat-trick hero as they dispatched Ivory Coast 5-2 in extra-time in the best game of the tournament thus far.

Spain are 6/5 to win the game in 90 minutes and are 4/7 to reach the final.

Japan v Spain head-to-head

The sides last met in a friendly last month and the game resulted in a 1-1 draw, with a repeat of that scoreline available at 5/1 in the Japan v Spain odds.

Previously, the sides met at the 2012 London Olympics, where Japan pulled off a stunning 1-0 victory in the group stage at Hampden Park.

It is 6/4 that Japan win in the Draw No Bet market.

Japan v Spain team news

Japan’s Bologna star Takehiro Tomiyasu is suspended but right-back Hiroki Sakai returns from serving his ban and should start.

Japan are 7/5 to score the first goal in the semi-final and are 6/1 to win the gold medal.

Dani Ceballos isn’t likely to return for Spain following a nasty ankle injury.

Meanwhile, Oscar Mingueza lasted only 11 minutes on Saturday before going off again.

However, to ease some pressure off La Roja, Oscar Gil returns from his suspension and might take Mingueza’s place. Jesus Vallejo is almost certain to drop to the bench.

Spain are 11/8 favourites to win gold and are 7/2 to win the semi-final but concede at least one goal.

Japan v Spain key battles

If Spain are to progress to fight for gold, they will have to shackle Japan’s Takefusa Kubo. The 20-year-old Real Madrid midfielder scored in every game in the group phase.

The Ivorians showcased the Spanish weaknesses at the back, with a goal from a set-piece and one following a failure to close down quickly enough.

Spain are 9/4 to win to nil and are 3/4 to score the first goal.

It must be remembered that Japan have only conceded one goal so far and it is 5/6 that one or both teams fail to score in the semi-final.

View the latest Olympics men’s football odds

All odds and markets correct as of date of publication