Japan vs Sweden Prediction: The Asian giant will cruise past their opponent with a commanding performance here

Japan will face off against Sweden in the FIFA Women's World Cup quarter-finals on Friday at Eden Park. Nadeshiko Japan are one of the most clinical teams in this tournament, winning their last four games. On the other hand, Sweden got lucky against USA and must improve their gameplay to stand a chance against Japan.

FIFA Ranking: 13th

Last three games: WWWW

Nadeshiko Japan showed character as they edged past Norway in the round of sixteen. Japan dominated the game from the beginning to the end, showing their tactical and technical superiority over their opponent. After a first-half scare that saw both sides getting a goal apiece, the Asian giant scored twice in the second half to knock out the European side.

Japan began their journey with (0-5) victory over Zambia and followed it up with another (0-2) win against Costa Rica. In their last group game, 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.

Hinata Miyazawa has scored the most goals (5) in the FIFA Women's World Cup and will be confident of securing the golden boot.

Possible Starting Eleven: Yamashita – Minami, Kumagai, Ishikawa – Endo, Nagano, Hasegawa, Shimizu – Miyazawa, Tanaka, Ueki.

FIFA Ranking: 3rd

Last three games: WWWD

The Blue and Yellow knocked out the defending champions to secure a matchup with Japan. Sweden endured the attacking threats from the USA and dragged the game to a penalty shootout, where they triumphed with a (5-4) scoreline. Sweden were nowhere near their best as they allowed the visitors eleven shots on target.

Sweden began their journey with a (2-1) victory over South Africa and followed it up with a convincing (5-0) victory over Italy. In their final group game, they won (2-0) against Argentina despite leaving nine starters out of their starting eleven.

Peter Gerhardsson’s women might not be lucky this time as they face off with one of the most formidable opponents in this competition.

Possible Starting Eleven: Musovic – Andersson, Eriksson, Ilestedt, Bjorn – Rubensson, Angeldal – Schough – Rolfo, Asllani, Rytting Kaneryd – Blackstenius.

Over their previous eight meetings, Japan have won four while Sweden have recorded two victories and two games ending in a share of the spoils. Both sides met in the quarterfinals of the Olympics Game two years ago, and it was Sweden who advanced after beating Japan (3-1).

Despite being the second best against the USA, Sweden showed their strength in surviving in a tight spot. On the other hand, Japan has been one of the most clinical teams in this tournament. They always find a way to dispossess their opponents, which won’t change here. Japan have scored the most goals in this competition and created more big chances than any side. We saw how USA penetrated the Swedish defence without scoring a few days ago, and we believe if Japan gets half of these opportunities, they’ll bury it. We strongly believe in Japan, but to be on the safe side, bet on Japan to win either half.

Japan averaged 3.75 goals per game at this World Cup, while Sweden averaged 2.50 goals per game. Both sides are good at set pieces, and we expect goals in this encounter; bet on a total of over 2.5 goals for 2.30.

Japan Midfielder Hinata Miyazawa has registered braces in wins against Zambia and Spain before recording his tournament-high fifth goal in the victory over Norway. It’ll be hard to stop this beast, and we believe with the contributions of Mina Tanaka, Japan should be able to bring down their opponent; bet on Japan win for 2.25.

Good luck!