The semi-final match between Japan U23 and Spain U23 will take place at 6:00 p.m. (Vietnam time) on August 3. This is the second match between the two teams in more than half a month. On July 17, the two teams met in a friendly match with a 1-1 draw. Ritsu Doan helped Japan take the lead in the first half, while Soler equalized for the away team at the end of the second half.
Japan had a smooth journey in the group stage with 3 consecutive wins, including a 4-0 win over France. However, Hajime Moriyasu and his team faced a bigger challenge than expected in the quarter-final against New Zealand. Japan's excellent attack was completely deadlocked against their opponents. The home team only beat their opponents with a 4-2 victory after a penalty shootout.
Spain has cast many doubts. They are a team with great potential, with 6 stars participating in EURO 2020 and a series of famous players competing in European national championships. However, their journey has not been smooth since the group stage. In the quarter-finals, the " BOTT" were almost eliminated before coming back to beat Bo Bien Nga 5-2 in extra time.
In the most recent meeting at the 2012 Olympics, Japan beat Spain 1-0 in the group stage. Maya Yoshida - the captain of the Japanese team that year was also holding the captain's armband at this year's Olympics. Hiroki Sakai - right winger defender is also a member of the current reserve London 2012 Olympics. He will return for the match against Spain on the afternoon of August 3, after being suspended against New Zealand.
However, centre-back Takehiro Tomiyasu will be suspended after receiving two yellow cards. Coach Moriyasu is likely to arrange Itakura to play as a central defender with captain Yoshida.
On the Spanish side, striker Rafa Mir could be the most notable adjustment compared to the quarter-final match. His scoring 3 goals against the Ivory Coast has helped him gain the trust to be able to start, replacing Asensio. In addition, De La Fuente's team still does not have the services of Ceballos and Mingueza due to injuries from the first match.
Japan determined to win the Men's Football Medal for the first time since the 1968 Olympics Spain aims to be crowned for the first time in 1992. The " BOTT" potential is still considered superior to the home team, so their chance of winning the match is also considered higher.
Expected lineup:
Japan (4-2-3): Kosei tani; Hiroki Sakai, Ko Itakura, Maya Yoshida, Reo Hatate; Wataru Endo, Ao Tanaka; Ritsu Doan, Takefusa Kubo, Kaoru Mitoma; Ayase Ueda.
Spain: (4-3-3): Unai Simon; Oscar Gil, Eric Garcia, Pau Torres, Marc Cucurella; Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Pedri; Mikel Oyarzabal, Rafa Mir, Dani Olmo.
Prediction: Japan 1-2 Spain
