Spain-Japan : Safeguarding Qualification Chances

La Roja of Spain will play against the Blue Samurai of Japan today Thursday November 30, 2022 in their last Group E game at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan. Today’s encounter promises to be stiff as the two sides will be seeking for a spot in the eighth finals of the competition. Spain and Japan still have hopes of progressing to the knockout stages with Spain leading the group with four points and Japan follows with two points. Spain controls their own destiny for their qualification for the eighth finals. With four points La Roja occupies the first place in the group ahead of Japan. The boys of Luis Enrique who were held to a 1-1 draw with Germany after thrashing Costa Rica 7-0 need just a draw to continue their campaign in Qatar. 
On their part Japan is second in the group with three points and in case of a victory today they will qualify for the second round. The Samurai can equally qualify for the round of 16 with a draw on condition that the other group game between Costa Rica and Germany ends in a draw. Japan could be without the services of Takehiro Tomiyasu and Hiroki Sakai with hamstring injuries. Wataru Endo could also retire due to a knee problem. Opposite, uncertainty hangs over Gavi's participation. Coach Hajime Moriyasu will be counting on the ta...