He forces through another cross, with Japan doing smart work to keep it away from Alvaro Morata, before Sergio Busquets slices his shot from range comfortably clear of the crossbar. 1669921526Japan 0-0 Spain, 4 minutesA first attack for Japan. Takefua Kubo capitalises as Dazien Maeda nips in ahead of a Spanish defender. Kubo has started on the right of midfield and get to the byline, but can’t part Pau Torres and Rodri with his cut-back. Spain clear. 1669921454Japan 0-0 Spain, 4 minutesGavi and Pedri are both filling spaces when they appear, moving back to take the ball from their centre-halves’ feet, with Sergio Busquets a consistent pillar in the middle.
A draw could be enough, depending on the other match, but it is likely all three points will be needed, with coach Hajime Moriyasu also shuffling his pack. It will be hugely frustrating for Japan that they are in this position, having beaten Germany in their opening game. A shock defeat to Costa Rica has undone that good work though, meaning another famous result tonight will have to be on the cards. Follow all the action live below! Live updates1669921663Japan 0-0 Spain, 7 minutesNico Williams has started all abuzz, looking to get at Tuyo Nagatomo and Shogo Tanigochi on the left of the Japanese back-five.
The 2010 champions need a point to guarantee their qualification for the knockout-phase, while half-an-eye will be on the other match in Group E between Costa Rica and Germany! (Getty Images)Kieran Jackson1 December 2022 18:501669920003Luis Enrique, speaking at his press conference yesterday... “Football is a show, like if you went to the theatre. Fans want to see goals, entertainment. That’s how I interpret football. Other coaches don’t share this, that’s OK, but it’s what I like. We don’t focus on the result, we focus on our path. It’s good vibes, optimism and joy. Maybe it’s excessive optimism.
1669921089Anthems“Kimigayo” is a lovely anthem, tuneful and soft, the lyrics taken from a traditional waka poem. “La Marcha Real” is rather more emphatic, all crashing cymbals and fanfare - it’s also won of only four national anthems to have no official lyrics. 1669920794Japan vs SpainBoth sets of supporters are beating away on their drums, painted in national colours, adding extra percussive soundtrack to another impressive, expensive pre-match light show.
FIFA World Cup 2022: Japan vs Spain prediction, time, live
Japan vs Spain LIVE: World Cup 2022 latest updatesFifa World Cup: Results and reactions from day elevenSign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for freeSign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Spain are looking to clinch top spot in Group E at the 2022 World Cup with a win against Japan this evening. Luis Enrique’s side were hit back by Germany last time out, but are still poised to finish first if they can beat Japan, who were stunned by Costa Rica and must win here to stand a chance of making the last 16.
They have survived. They have persevered. It is remarkable to think that these sides went into this World Cup as equals, and that this game ended level. Spain were so much the better side, as evidenced by their positions in the group. But Luis Enrique’s team also have flaws, as evidenced by the way they gave this win up. Flick and Niclas Fullkrug do deserve credit there. They didn’t exactly display Spain’s class but they did show considerable resilience. It can’t be discounted how badly they needed this, even if Costa Rica’s win over Japan took some of the edge off the game, and they still need to drastically improve. Kieran Jackson1 December 2022 18:27Register for free to continue readingRegistration is a free and easy way to support our truly independent journalismBy registering, you will also enjoy limited access to Premium articles, exclusive newsletters, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalistsEmailPlease enter a valid emailPlease enter a valid emailPasswordMust be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a numberMust be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a numberMust be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a numberFirst namePlease enter your first nameSpecial characters aren’t allowedPlease enter a name between 1 and 40 charactersLast namePlease enter your last nameSpecial characters aren’t allowedPlease enter a name between 1 and 40 charactersYou must be over 18 years old to registerYou must be over 18 years old to registerYear of birthI would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent.
The 2010 champions need a point to guarantee their qualification for the knockout-phase, while half-an-eye will be on the other match in Group E between Costa Rica and Germany. “We have to think that we are at the top of the so-called Group of Death and we have to stay positive, ” Spain boss Luis Enrique said ahead of the match. Follow all the action with our live blog below1669921710World Cup 2022: Japan vs Spain8 mins: Nightmare few minutes for Busquets! He gives the ball away just outside his own penalty area but Japan can’t take full advantage, as Junya Ito shoots from a narrow angle into the side-netting! Kieran Jackson1 December 2022 19:081669921653World Cup 2022: Japan vs Spain7 mins: First look at Inaki Williams on the right-hand side - his cross is only half-cleared to captain Sergio Busquets on the edge of the box, but his left-foot shot is high and wide! Unsurprisingly, he never looked like scoring! Kieran Jackson1 December 2022 19:071669921524World Cup 2022: Japan vs Spain5 mins: As you might suspect, Spain dominant with the ball early on - with Japan setting up with a back-five.
That’s your goal. It’s soon all or nothing. Winner goes home. That’s the greatness of football. ” (Getty Images)Kieran Jackson1 December 2022 18:401669919223World Cup 2022: Japan vs SpainSpain 1-1 Germany - match report By Miguel Delaney at the Al Bayt Stadium A draw that might just show why a burgeoning Spain will fall short of winning this World Cup, and prevent Germany from falling out of it. It’s that fine a line, from an enthralling 1-1 draw. Hansi Flick’s side need much more than that in their next game against Costa Rica, and also a favour off Spain against Japan, but they should feel considerable relief here.
Japan vs Spain live updates: first half, score and stats, 0-0
Japan vs. Spain free live stream: How to watch World Cup
Japan Vs. Spain Live Stream: How To Watch World Cup Game
Yet the Japanese have the first quick attack, but it’s quickly cleared by Spain’s Pau Torres. Kieran Jackson1 December 2022 19:051669921280World Cup 2022: Japan vs SpainKICK-OFF: We’re underway at the Khalifa International Stadium! Japan in blue shirts and white shorts, with Spain in their usual all-red. Kieran Jackson1 December 2022 19:011669921100World Cup 2022: Japan vs Spain - a reminder of the starting XIs! Japan: Shuichi Gonda, Shogo Taniguchi, Ko Itakura, Yuto Nagatomo, Takefusa Kubo, Hidemasa Morita, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Ao Tanaka, Maya Yoshida, Daizen MaedaSpain: Unai Simon, Cesar Azpilicueta, Pau Torres, Sergio Busquets, Alvaro Morata, Gavi, Nico Williams, Alejandro Balde, Rodri, Dani Olmo, PedriKieran Jackson1 December 2022 18:581669920932World Cup 2022: Japan vs SpainThe players are out at the Khalifa International Stadium for this crucial Group E decider! Time for the national anthems! (Getty Images)Kieran Jackson1 December 2022 18:551669920783World Cup 2022: Costa Rica vs Germany If you want to follow the action from Costa Rica vs Germany - a game the Germans have to win to progress - you can with our live blog below: Kieran Jackson1 December 2022 18:531669920607World Cup 2022: Japan vs SpainThe players are back in from their warm-ups - just 10 minutes away from kick-off at the Khalifa International Stadium! Luis Enrique’s Furia Roja were hit back by Germany last time out, but are still in control and poised to finish first if they can beat Japan, who were stunned by Costa Rica and must win here to stand a chance of making the last 16.
Japan vs Spain: World Cup 2022 - LIVE! Spain look to wrap up top spot in World Cup Group E tonight as they face Japan in their final group-stage match. Luis Enrique’s side made a flying start to the tournament, hammering Costa Rica 7-0, but a draw with Germany last time out means there is still work for them to do to reach the last 16. Another point here would be enough for them to qualify, but they’ll be looking to get the job done in more convincing fashion than that as they make five changes in total. As for Japan, they will be thinking a victory is required if they’re to reach the knockouts.
“If anything goes wrong and I am fired then that’s OK. But if this way fills my players with optimism, then I’m satisfied with it. Until I am proven wrong we have to keep thinking we are the best team and will play seven matches and win. It may not be true but that’s our goal. “Imagine we think runner-up is better and we have reached the 90th minute with a good 0-0 draw but then five seconds from full time, Costa Rica and Japan both score. In the last 15 seconds, we would be out! Or Germany could win 5-0. Just imagine! “We are here to win seven matches and win the group. It could be Brazil in the quarters but OK. Let’s play Brazil. At elite level, we cannot speculate. Avoiding Brazil may be easier? Easier in football? What is that? To win a World Cup you have to beat everyone who comes your way.
Spain in possession. That may become familiar. 1669921377Japan 0-0 Spain, 2 minutesHajime Moriyasu jots the first note in his book, the Japan manager happy enough when Nico Williams’ cross trundles out of play without a Spanish teammate near it. 1669921307Japan 0-0 Spain, 1 minuteJapan begin with a back five, with Junya Ito on the right and Yuto Nagatomo on the left, both immediately withdrawn into defensive positions. A second bank of four sit in front of them - Daizen Maeda could have a long night of chasing up front. 1669921133OfficialsSouth Africa’s Victor Gomes is our whistleman this evening; Fernando Guerrero (Mexico) leads the team of video assistants.
Japan vs Spain LIVE: Stream, TV channel and team news as