Japan vs Spain times, how to watch on TV, stream online, World Cup 2022
All the info you need to know on the Japan vs Spain clash at the Khalifa International Stadium on December 1st, which kicks off at 2.00 p.m. ET.
You can follow the live action of the game between Spain and Japan on As.com.
Spain and Japan will go head-to-head in Group E’s third and last game looking to qualify for the World Cup Round of 16.
When does Japan vs Spain kick-off?
The game between Japan and Spain starts on Thursday, December 1st, 2022.
How to watch Japan vs Spain
The following television channels and online services will be broadcasting Japan vs. Spain:
Japan vs Spain preview
Japan shared with Saudi Arabia the media headlines all over the world after their impressive win over Germany in a game where they came back in the second half to record a win that will go down in history.
After a brilliant start to the tournament, many expected the Asian side to come out on top vs. Costa Rica, but La Tricolor surprised their opponents a few minutes before the final whistle with an unexpected 0-1 final result.
Japan will try to progress to the last 16 for the second successive World Cup and a win against La Roja would automatically see them through.
Hajime Moriyasu’s men could also progress with a draw if Costa Rica fail to beat Germany or if Die Mannschaft can’t defeat their opponents by two or more goals.
Meanwhile, Spain have been one of the main sensations in the tournament, playing arguably the most entertaining soccer till now.
In their opener, Luis Enrique’s men thrashed Costa Rica 7-0, while against Germany they shared the spoils (1-1) in one of the best games to date in the competition.
Against Japan, history seems to favor Spain, as they have never lost in five previous World Cup games against Asian teams in 90 minutes.
Moreover, the Spanish squad have come out on top in their final group fixture in eight of their last nine tournament appearances.
Japan
Japanese defenders Takehiro Tomiyasu and Hiroki Sakai are both doubtful with hamstring injuries, while midfielder Wataru Endo could also miss out. Either Ao Tanaka or Gaku Shibasaki will likely replace Endo.
Meanwhile, Daichi Kamada will play alongside either Daizen Maeda or Ayase Ueda up front.
Spain
Luis Enrique doesn’t know if he will be able to call upon the services of star teenager Gavi, who has been absent from training due to a minor injury.
His colleague at Barcelona Sergio Busquets is one booking away from a suspension so he will probably be on the bench. Manchester City’s Rodri could be in the starting XI replacing him.
In-form Álvaro Morata could feature from the start together with Ferran Torres up front after scoring two goals, one of them against Germany last Sunday.
Japan vs Spain prediction
It will be a hard-fought contest as both nations go into the match ready to give their all to take one of the two tickets that give access to the next round.
The Japanese squad had a strong start in the tournament, but against Costa Rica, they showed they have a few weaknesses that a team like Spain could take advantage of.
La Roja are a young talented group that seem not to be afraid of the big stage against whatever team they have in front of them.
Pedri, Morata, Torres, Olmo and co. should be too much to handle for the Japanese team and goals from Spain are expected in this contest, as they scored eight in two games.
Prediction: Japan 0-2 Spain
Who is refereeing Japan vs Spain?
South African referee Victor Gomes will take charge of the fixture. Alongside him are assistants Zakhele Siwela and Souru Phatsoane, while the fourth official is Salima Mukansanga.