Expert Picks
This is one that I am more than willing to be wrong about. I plan on actively fading this Dutch team a few times in the tournament. Due to the slew of injuries this Japanese side faces, I’m only taking a small position on Japan. Right now, I think the Netherlands are slightly overrated in the market. In the same vein, Japan is underrated. This is a Japan side that beat England, Scotland, and Brazil in the lead up to the World Cup. From a tactical standpoint, Japan should be able to exploit the Dutch high line, get behind it, and capitalize.
There are two countries I root for every World Cup other than the USA: The Netherlands and England. Not really sure why the Dutch as I'm only partly that; always dug their bright orange unis, I suppose ... and I grew up near Holland, Mich. Oranje are ranked 8th in the world -- they were dominant in qualifying, finishing atop UEFA Group G -- and Japan 18th. The Samurai Blue are down two key players due to injury in winger Kaoru Mitoma and midfielder Takumi Minamino. Would not touch this number on Holland to win from Dallas but at Draw No Bet, sure.
If you know me, you know that I have been consistently impressed by the growth of Japan in the football space. This is a team that during the 22' World Cup, beat both Germany and Spain. This is a team that is managed so well it's almost scary, and it's a team that doesn't rely solely on one star to carry the weight of the team. The way Japan flows together is a thing of beauty. That being said, Netherlands is a good attacking side. I'm expecting BTTS to cash, and over 2.5 goals to hit with both teams possessing fantastic finishers.
Group F is absolutely fascinating. It's one of the groups where I could realistically see any of the four teams qualifying. Netherlands are the favorites, with Japan and Sweden close behind them, but even Tunisia is a solid squad. While Netherlands are the favorites, I think the bias towards the Dutch is carrying the numbers here. Japan is the better side in my mind. The dominated the group qualifiers, outscoring their opponents 30-3. They also have grown since their impressive 2022 run. Look at Ayase Ueda from Feyenoord to have a fantastic World Cup, as they take a point off Netherlands.