- Japan and Spain clash on Thursday in the World Cup.
- Anthony Dabbundo has your match preview.
- Read on for his best bet and prediction.
Japan vs. Spain Odds
Thursday, Dec. 1 2 p.m. ET FOX
| Japan Odds | +750 |
| Spain Odds | -250 |
| Draw | +350 |
| Over/Under | 2.5 (-125 / -100) |
| Both Teams to Score (Yes/No) | (+100 / -134) |
Japan wasted a golden opportunity to clinch their spot in the World Cup knockout stage when they lost to Costa Rica, but the Samurai Blue are not yet out of the picture as Group E concludes on Thursday.
Once the Japanese pulled the upset on the Germans in the first match, a win against Costa Rica would have been enough for them to clinch a knockout round spot.
They lost that match 1-0 and now need some type of result in this match if they want to advance. A loss here to Spain eliminates Japan, and a draw leaves them relying on a Costa Rica draw or a goal difference edge against Germany if the Germans beat Costa Rica.
For Spain, the calculus is pretty simple. A draw is enough to send them through, likely in first. A win would clinch the group. A loss and Spain could still advance, but the position becomes significantly more precarious.