Japan vs Greece - What can we expect - Preview and Prediction

Japan vs Greece – Group C

A fascinating encounter is on the cards as Japan and Greece meet in what will be a must-win game for both. The two teams are at the bottom of Group C after losing their opening games. One of the two could get knocked out depending upon the result of the Ivory Coast – Colombia match. With survival at stake, both teams will look to go all out for a win that will get their World Cup campaign back on track.

Venue

This game will be played in the 38,958-capacity Arena das Dunas in the city of Natal, the capital of Rio Grande do Norte state. Apart from tonight’s game, it will be used for 2 more group matches. The stadium is the home ground for America FC, a Brazilian second division club.

Kick-off time

June 20 3:30 AM – IST

June 19 7:00 PM – Local time

Possible starting XIs

The match against Ivory Coast left Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni with a lot to ponder upon. His midfield came up very weak against their African opposition, giving away possession too easily and exposing the defence to numerous attacks. After the match, Zaccheroni admitted that he was considering changes in the team. Yet it remains to be seen if he is willing to change his double pivot of Makoto Hasebe and Hotaru Yamaguchi. After a slight knock, Hasebe was replaced by Yasuhito Endo in the 54th minute against the Ivorians; but Endo did not seem up to the task either. Coming into the Greece match, Hasebe has declared himself fit and Zaccheroni may just continue with him. Up front, Yuya Osako had a horror match and looks set to be replaced by Yoshito Okubo with Yoichiro Kakitani likely to be have a role in the second half.

After the disappointing defeat against Colombia, Greece have to pick themselves up and figure out how to make better use of possession. They had more of the ball during most parts of the game but were not able to score. Coach Fernando Santos now has a difficult decision to make: should he start Kostas Mitroglou or not? The Fulham striker was not deemed fit to start against Colombia but Santos may now have to risk him in this match because scoring is vital. Ioannis Fetfatzidis impressed on the wing during his cameo in the opener and could now start against Japan. Although they conceded thrice, defence is one of Greece’s better areas and is likely to be untouched.

Japan (4-2-3-1): Eiji Kawashima; Yuto Nagatomo, Maya Yoshida, Masato Morishige,Atsuto Uchida; Hotaru Yamaguchi, Makoto Hasebe; Shinji Kagawa, Keisuke Honda, Shinji Okazaki; Yoshito Okubo.

Greece (4-3-3): Orestis Karnezis; José Holebas, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Kostas Manolas, Vasilis Torosidis; Panagiotis Kone, Kostas Katsouranis, Giannis Maniatis; Georgios Samaras, Konstantinos Mitroglou, Ioannis Fetfatzidis.

Key facts and stats

Their only previous meeting was in the 2005 Confederations Cup with Japan securing a 1-0 win.
Greece's only previous World Cup fixture against an Asian side was in 2010 when they lost 2-0 against South Korea in their opening game.
Japan have won twice in their seven encounters against European sides at the World Cup.
Greece have lost six of their seven World Cup games.
Greece have failed to score in six of their seven World Cup games. Only against Nigeria in 2010 did they manage to find the net.
Greece have failed to keep a clean sheet in their seven World Cup encounters.
Greece have conceded an average of 2.6 goals per game at the World Cup, the highest ratio amongst the 32 teams involved in this tournament.
Keisuke Honda has been involved in four of Japan's last five goals at the World Cup (3 goals, 1 assist). He is Japan top-scorer in the competition (3 goals).
Giorgios Samaras has attempted more shots without scoring at the World Cup than any other Greek player (9, including blocked shots).

Key battles

Shinji Okazaki vs. José Holebas: The prolific Okazaki failed to put his mark on the Ivory Coast game and will be looking to make amends tonight. The FSV Mainz striker is a danger when cutting into the centre from his starting right sided position. Greece will have left back Jose Holebas trying to prevent Okazaki from posing a threat. Holebas is generally seen as better going forward that guarding the flank. He will have to step up this time and stand his ground to stop Okazaki.

Keisuke Honda vs. Kostas Katsouranis: Honda stepped up to score a super goal to give Japan the lead against Ivory Coast, but then faded into oblivion as the Ivorians took control. Honda needs to make a better impression in midfield and dictate terms if Japan are to win. Up against him will be veteran Katsouranis who is one of the most experienced members of the Greek squad, having been part of the team that won Euro 2004. Ten years on, Greece are in great need of him as they look to stop a dangerous Japanese attack.

Prediction

Greece looked woeful in their opener against Colombia and it is unlikely to expect a complete turnaround from them when they face Japan. The Samurai Blue, on the other hand, did quite well in defence for an hour before giving way; they also managed to take the lead. Considering the strengths and weaknesses of both sides, it will probably be Japan who end up getting the three points.

Predicted scoreline: Japan 2 – 0 Greece