As expected, the Spaniards qualified for the World Cup as first in their group, ahead of Sweden with just one defeat and a draw. Winning against Spain has become a Herculean task. Luis Enrique has brought an identifiable style to the selection. It will be difficult for the Germans, they are – as of now – rather outsiders.
How strong is Japan?
This certainly does not apply to the second opponent who has already been determined. The Japanese team has long been one of the regular guests at world championships. The Japanese have not missed a World Cup since France 1998.
Japan’s Ao Tanaka is congratulated by his team-mates after scoring 1-0 against Australia.
At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the quarter-finals were close. Japan were already 2-0 up against secret favorites Belgium, with just 20 minutes to play before the Belgians knocked Team Nippon out of the tournament with three goals.
Qualifying for the World Cup did not go entirely smoothly for Japan. There were unexpected defeats against Oman and in Saudi Arabia. In the end it was enough, but the team seems a little weaker than four years ago.