Japan vs Vietnam Prediction: Vietnam Bears A Four-Year Grudge Against Japan, Dastardly Unimpressed By The Samurai Side

Japan's Samurai Blue will face Vietnam's Golden Star Warriors in Group D of the Asian Football Confederation Cup. Japan's blue-shirted and white-shorted team has established itself as a high-scoring powerhouse, while Vietnam has been inconsistent in their runs and is considered a clear underdog in this matchup. However, despite the heated rivalry between the two sides, Japan has proven to be Vietnam's Achilles heel, as they have never been able to secure a victory over them in any of their four previous meetings. With three wins and a stalemate in these games, Japan is poised to continue its dominance over Vietnam and emerge victorious once again.

FIFA Ranking: 17th

Recent Form: W-W-W-W-W

Hajime Moriyasu, the Head Coach of the Japanese National team, is all set to lead his team to victory in the upcoming fixture, with a squad of the best players at his disposal. The likes of AS Monaco’s Minamino, Arsenal FC’s Tomiyasu, and Brighton’s talisman, Kaoru Mitoma, who is unfortunately indisposed at the moment, will be missed but the team is projected to breeze through the qualifiers without much difficulty. Despite the injuries of Takefusa Kubo, Kaoru Mitoma, and Hiroki Ito, the team remains unbeaten in all competitions, boasting a squad worth $352m (320 million euros). If they manage to defeat Vietnam, it will be a record-breaking achievement for the team, as they will go eleven games without a defeat, cementing their spot as the strongest team in the group.

FIFA Ranking: 94th

Recent Form: L-L-W-L-L

Vietnam's journey in the AFC Champions Cup has been absolutely incredible. Their outstanding performance in the 2019 Iran-Iraq-Yemen grouping saw them effortlessly advance to the knockout stage. Although Japan ultimately eliminated them, it was still a remarkable achievement that left fans worldwide in awe.

Vietnam made history in 2022 by defeating The People's Republic of China with a score of 3-1 and holding Japan to a 1-1 stalemate in the World Cup qualification games. This remarkable performance is a testament to Vietnam's extraordinary capabilities and demonstrates that the team can compete with the best in the region.

The Golden Star Warriors, under the expert guidance of coach Phillipe Trousierre, are making remarkable progress with the senior men's team. Although they faced a tough 1-0 defeat against Iraq, their recent triumph against the Philippines clearly indicates their unwavering determination and growing strength. 

Despite facing Japan as their first opponent in the AFC Cup tournament, the Vietnamese side is more than ready to take on the challenge. Their opponents may have more experience, but the Vietnamese team is packed with talent and potential that can significantly impact the Asian football scene. With a strong mindset and well-crafted strategies, they are fully equipped to tackle any obstacle that may come their way.

• Japan are unbeaten in ten games across all national competitions.
• Japan has scored an average of five goals per game in the last four matches.
• Japan has not lost any game against Vietnam recently, winning three and holding a 1-1 stalemate.
• In the four most recent meetings, Japan has taken three away wins from Vietnam’s home, with Vietnam equalling the toll in Japan’s home ground.
• Vietnam has won only one of the last five national team games, winning only one.
• There have been two cases on BTTS between the sides in five recent games.

The Golden Star Warriors are fully confident and determined to display their exceptional skills, despite facing the challenge posed by Japan's renowned team and their home-ground advantage. Vietnam is not to be underestimated, and the Warriors are all set to give Japan a tough fight on the pitch. They are well aware of their abilities and bring the 2019 grudge to the pitch in a bid to exert vengeance and humiliate the Japanese side.

• Our first prediction for this game will be a Win Or Draw For Japan and Total Goals less than Five at odds of 1.64 from 1xbet.
• We take our gaze towards Betway's mouth-watering offer of Vietnam’s victory with a four-goal leading handicap at odds of 1.95 as our second prediction.
• Our last prediction would be an insight into the first half, where we expect at least two goals from one or both sides. Bet365 gives this at 1.61 odds.

Good luck!