Germany vs Japan prediction: WORLD: Friendly International betting tips on match 2023-09-08 18:45.
With Niclas Füllkrug injured and with seemingly few other obvious choices available, out-of-form Germany (D1, L3) have recalled Thomas Müller for their latest friendly against Japan. Less than ten months before they host Euro 2024, the lack of striking options is a serious concern for Hansi Flick’s side, and one that’s been highlighted by failing to score in their last two internationals (L2).
As they prepare to take on the side that helped knock them out of last year’s FIFA World Cup (L 2-1), even home comforts won’t guarantee Germany anything as they’ve won just one of their last five home games (D1, L3). Playing in Wolfsburg could give them a boost, as their last visit was a winning one when they put nine past Liechtenstein without reply in November 2021!
Japan have never come close to conceding that many against Germany though, and the H2H record is even (W1, D1, L1); if anything, the visitors might be more confident of scoring a hatful having netted ten times across their last two fixtures (W2)! Those Kirin Challenge Cup wins over El Salvador (6-0) and Peru (4-1) mean they’re building up nicely for the AFC Asian Cup which starts in January.
Interestingly, the previous edition of the Kirin Challenge Cup saw fixtures held in Germany, both of which saw Japan keep a clean sheet (W1, D1). And given they also drew with their hosts in a pre-2006 World Cup friendly in Leverkusen, there’s plenty of encouragement for the Samurai Blue as they head to Europe.
Players to watch: Müller was on the scoresheet the last time Germany played in Wolfsburg, scoring twice against Liechtenstein. Japan’s Kaoru Mitoma already has four Premier League goal contributions this season (G1, A3) and scored first-half goals in two of Japan’s last three games.
Hot streak: None of Japan’s last six games – and only one of Germany’s last seven – produced a goalless first half (Japan HT: W3, D1, L2).