class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>With both teams looking solid at the back, Goal expect a tight Olympic semi-final encounter between the hosts and La Rojita
Japan will be looking to take their place in a first ever Olympic Games gold medal match when they face Spain in Tuesday’s semi-final.
Hajime Moriyasu’s team seem to have made the most of home advantage despite the lack of fans this summer, making it to the final four for only the second time in their history.
Japan vs Spain latest odds
However, they are 11/4 (3.75) outsiders with bet365 to go one better by coming out on top against the 1992 champions.
La Rojita have reached this stage for the first time since claiming silver at Sydney 2000 and are 21/20 (2.05) to reach another final with a victory at the Saitama Stadium, or priced at 11/5 (3.20) to be held to a sixth draw in seven matches in all competitions.
Japan vs Spain team news
Takehiro Tomiyasu is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, although Hiroki Sakai is available once again following a one-match ban.
Oscar Mingueza is doubtful after coming off injured in the quarter-final victory over the Ivory Coast and Dani Ceballos is also ruled out, while Oscar Gil is back from suspension.
Japan vs Spain preview
Having failed to break down a New Zealand team that had shipped three goals to Honduras in the group stages last time out, the Samurai Blue must now find their way past an opposition backline that has only conceded four times in five fixtures.
While this is a tall order, the fact they have only let in a single goal in their last four games themselves suggests they will also provide stern resistance at the back.
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Indeed, this pair cancelled each other out in a 1-1 pre-tournament draw last month, so it would be no surprise if there was little to separate them once again.
Japan vs Spain preview
All in all, odds of 7/10 (1.70) look like solid value on under 2.5 goals being scored for Spain’s fifth game in six and a fourth in six for Japan, as well as a third meeting in three between the sides.
All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.