Japan vs Norway Prediction: Regardless of what their opponent does here, Japan will advance to the next round

After the ups and downs in the group stages, Japan will lock horns with Norway at the Wellington Stadium on Saturday. Nadeshiko Japan have kept a clean record in this competition, unlike Norway, who had to defeat the Philippines in their final game to qualify for the knockout stages.

FIFA Ranking: 13th

Last three games: WWW

Nadeshiko Japan are one of the few sides yet to concede in this competition as they head here with the most goals in the group phase. Japan began their journey with (0-5) victory over Zambia and followed it up with another (0-2) win against Costa Rica. More recently, in what seems to be one of the strangest games in the round, Japan put four goals past Spain to secure the ticket to this phase. In a game where Japan had just 33% of the ball, they were the most effective in front of goals, converting four of their five shots on target.

Japan have been the most clinical team in the Women’s World Cup, scoring eleven times without conceding. Hinata Miyazawa scored the most joint goals (4) and will be confident of securing the golden boot.

FIFA Ranking: 12th

Last three games: LDW

One-time World Cup winner and Olympics champion Norway began their campaign with a shocking defeat to New Zealand and shared the spoils against Switzerland. However, they picked up their first three points of the tournament when they scored six times against a lowly-ranked Philippines to advance to the knockout stage.

Norway picked up four points from a possible nine, scoring six times while conceding once. They finished second on the log, with the same points as New Zealand but a better goal difference.

Norway will have to bring their A-game to get past the Japan defence, who didn’t concede against Spain.

Over their previous six meetings, Japan have won five and lost just once, scoring fourteen while conceding five. Japan have been the most balanced side in this tournament, although they are yet to test themselves against more formidable opponents. On the other hand, Norway have struggled to get goals in this competition, as their six goals were against an average Philippines team. Japan head here sky-high in confidence after their performance in the group stage; however, it won’t be a smooth sail against their opponent, who’ll definitely sit back and wait for their opportunity to attack. Regardless of what their opponent throws at them, we expect Japan to win for 1.86.

Norway are not a scoring side, and we believe this game will be cagey; bet on a total of under 2.5 goals for 1.65.

We expect Japan to win (2-0) here for 6.60.

Good luck!