Japan vs Syria Prediction & Betting Tips (11 June)

Since a small disappointment in the round of 16 of the World Cup, against Croatia, the Japanese selection seemed to be on the right track, notably signing notable friendly victories against Germany 1-4 or Turkey 4-2. The Japanese had even scored 11 victories before an Asian Nations Cup in which they were the ultimate favorites. However, Moriyasu's men took the door in the quarter-finals against Iran, accumulating new frustration in international competition. They have nevertheless recovered well since these last matches, achieving success against North Korea 1-0, and on Burmese soil 0-5.  While it had the keys to qualifying in hand, Syria seriously compromised its chances of reaching the next round by losing to North Korea 1-0.

The Eagles of Qasyoun are then condemned to the feat against a nation that they have never beaten in their history. During the last Asian Cup, the Syrians did rather well, qualifying for the 1/8 finals, suffering the same fate as their evening opponent, namely a defeat against Iran. Syria has never managed to qualify for a World Cup so far.

On the Japanese side, the squad is quality. We still note the injury to midfielder Kaishu Sano (4 selections) and the non-calls of some big names such as goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who has been starting recently. Players playing in Europe Ito (Reims, 13 goals in 54 sels), Mitoma (Brighton, 7 goals in 20 sels, injured), Asano (Bochum, 9 goals in 52 sels) and Furuhashi (Celtic, 5 goals in 21 sels) were left to rest. Otherwise, all the usual frameworks are there. Japan has still not conceded a single goal in this 2nd round of qualifying. In the offensive field, it is the striker Ueda (Feyenoord, 11 goals in 25 seasons) who stands out with 5 goals. None of his teammates scored more than one goal in the first 4 days.

Nakamura and Ogawa distinguished themselves with a double each against Burma. Apart from a few Syrians who play in the country, we find in this group a lot of players scattered all over the world. The starting goalkeeper and captain, Madania (29 sels), plays for the Jordanian championship, and the group's serial scorer, Al Somah (40 sels, 21 goals), plays for Al-Arabi in Qatar. His younger attacking colleagues Yakoub (3 sels) and Cervera (0 sels) play respectively in the Swedish and Argentine championships. On the other hand, the most capped Alma (goalkeeper, 80 sel) was not called up, and the striker Khribin (58 sel, 27 goals) either, while the defender of Cadiz Aiham Ousou (7 sel) is out.