Japan vs Colombia prediction: WORLD: Friendly International betting tips on match 2023-03-27 10:20.
Japan have warranted their position as FIFA’s highest-ranked Asian nation after their fine journey to the Round of 16 at the World Cup bumped them up to 20th in the world. Their first game back from their stellar efforts in Qatar once again proved they can hold their own against the world’s best, having come from behind to draw 1-1 with rank #16 Uruguay last time out.
The Samurai Blue will take to the field at the Yodoko Sakura Stadium to face yet another higher ranked South American opposition when Colombia (17th) make their way to Osaka. Hajime Moriyasu’s men need to utilise their momentum if they’re to improve their H2H record against their next opposition, having won only one of five previous meetings (D1, L3).
The Colombians did not feature at last year’s World Cup but do have their own momentum to make use of, as they are currently riding an eight-game undefeated streak (W6, D2). Both those draws were recorded in their most recent matches, having featured in a scoreless stalemate with the USA, before coming back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with another Asian opponent in South Korea last week.
Néstor Lorenzo has consequently continued his unbeaten tenure as Colombian manager (W3, D2), but he launched a scathing attack of his team when conceding a 2-0 half-time deficit vs South Korea, describing them as “two avoidable goals, which worries me and shows the lack of work and knowledge among several players”. The Tricolors’ strong form in non-competition football (W24, D10, L4 from their last 38 friendlies) should extend that undefeated run though, particularly now that they have scored at least two goals in four of their last five matches.
Players to watch: Takuma Nishimura scored Japan’s equaliser two minutes after being substituted against Uruguay, his third goal in just four international appearances. This time around he may have to get past Colombian defender Daniel Muñoz, who has produced an assist in each of his last two internationals in addition to contributing to five clean sheets from his last seven.
Hot stat: Colombia have seen only one scoreless first half from their last nine internationals.