Japan: We must believe to stop the Spanish armada
Spain have some work left to do to guarantee their spot in the round of 16
After conceding late to miss out on a victory against Germany, Spain have some work left to do against Japan to guarantee their spot in the round of 16 at the World Cup.
The Spaniards don’t need much, though, because a draw this morning will be enough, and even a loss may allow the team to advance depending on the other Group E result between Germany and Costa Rica.
Japan don’t have it as easy, but a win will guarantee the Japanese a place in the knockout stage for the second straight time. It would be the first time Japan advance past the group stage in back-to-back tournaments. If Japan lose, though, the team will head home.
“It’s going to be a high-pressure game for our players,” Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said. “But we must believe in ourselves. The players must believe in themselves and they must believe in their teammates in order to fight against our opponent. Hopefully they will be able to do their best and the result will come.”
The Japanese opened their campaign with a surprising win over four-time champions Germany before losing to Costa Rica. They were eliminated by Belgium in the last 16 in Russia at the last World Cup.
Spain may also go home with a loss if Costa Rica beat the Germans or if the Germans win big to overcome Spain’s goal difference after their 7-0 opening win over Costa Rica.
A victory at Khalifa International Stadium will guarantee Spain first place in the group, and keep them on track for a possible matchup with five-time champions Brazil in the quarter-finals.
“Hopefully we will get to face Brazil, because that would mean that we finished in first place in our group,” Spain coach Luis Enrique said. “To win a World Cup you need to beat every team, so we are not going to try to avoid anyone.”
Luis Enrique may rotate some of his players after making only one change from the first to the second game — Dani Carvajal coming in for Cesar Azpilicueta at right back.
Teenager Gavi, who started in the first two matches, trained separately from the group after the 1-1 draw with Germany because of a minor knee injury. He is expected to be available for today’s match but is not likely to start.
Another midfielder expected to be rested is 34-year-old Sergio Busquets, the only remaining player from Spain’s World Cup-winning squad in 2010. Striker Alvaro Morata, who scored a goal in each of the first two matches after coming off the bench, could get a spot in the starting lineup against Japan.