Japan u23 vs New Zealand u23 prediction for Saturday’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic games clash at Kashima Soccer Stadium in Kashima. In the first round, Japan, who won Group A, will meet in the quarter-final New Zealand who finished second in Group B. Read on for our free prediction and betting tips.
Japan u23 moving steadily towards a medal
Nine points from three matches including a thrashing of France by 4-0, Japan finished top of Group A and imposed themselves as one of the contenders for the Gold medal. The Japanese are the only side to have a 100% record in the competition and they are not showing any signs of falling behind.
Japan is on the right track of improving their last best finish in the Olympic games of fourth-place they achieved in 2012. In their final group match against France, Les Bleues needed a win to qualify but coach Moriyasu’s team had other ideas scoring two goals in the first half-hour mark.
Japan showed how composed they are and play easy football which allows them to keep their opponents always on the defensive. The Japanese had amazing efficiency in front of goal scoring four of their five shots on target.
Japan u23 Key Points
New Zealand u23
New Zealand achieved its best result in the Olympics after reaching this year’s quarter-final. This is the OlyWhites third appearance and had been eliminated from the group stages in their last two participations in 2008 and 2012.
Coach Danny Hay saw his team draw their last match against Romania 0-0 and qualify by virtue of having a better goal difference. New Zealand had lost to Honduras in their second match after beating South Korea in their opening.
It was a clever tactic adopted by coach Danny Hay in their final match. Knowing a draw would be sufficient to see them through, the Kiwis kept the ball for long periods of time and patiently built from the back creating chances with 11 attempts and not letting Romania get more than three shots at goal.
New Zealand u23
Japan u23 vs New Zealand u23: Prediction
With the way Japan’s been playing, we don’t think there is anyone to write them off in this match. New Zealand are just not good enough to cause any threat for the Japanese unless they adopt a very strong defensive tactic and take the match to extra time and even penalties.
The Japanese have been extremely efficient in scoring. They scored four of five shots at goal against France and two out of three shots against Mexico. Moriyasu’s team did suffer a bit against South Africa who were playing defensively but still won 1-0.
The total goals market at Vbet has a good value for under 3.5 goals. They are offering 1.43 and we think that’s a probability.
Japan u23 vs New Zealand u23 Betting Tips
Under 3.5 Total Goals 1.43 at Vbet
Japan to win and three or more goals in the match 1.91 at William Hill