Israel U23 vs Japan U23 Prediction: Japan U23 are favored to defeat Israel U23 with a predicted score of 3-1 in this crucial Olympic Group D match.
The Olympic men’s football tournament reaches a critical juncture as Israel U23 and Japan U23 prepare to face off in their final Group D match. With qualification for the knockout stages on the line, both teams will be eager to secure a positive result at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, France.
Match Details
- Date: July 30, 2024
- Kick-off: 19:00 UTC
- Venue: Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes, France
- Referee: Said Martinez (Honduras)
Match Preview
Japan U23 have been the standout performers in Group D so far, notching two wins from two matches. Their impressive 5-0 victory over Paraguay was followed by a hard-fought 1-0 win against Mali, leaving them in pole position to top the group.
Israel U23, on the other hand, find themselves in a precarious position at the bottom of the group. After a 1-1 draw with Mali in their opener, they suffered a 4-2 defeat to Paraguay, leaving their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Projected Israel U23 vs Japan U23 Lineups and Team News
Israel U23
Israel’s preparations have been hampered by an injury concern to defender Stav Lemkin, who was forced off during the match against Paraguay. If Lemkin is unable to recover in time, Or Israelov could be in line for his first start of the tournament.
Projected Israel U23 Lineup (4-3-3): Shahar, Abada, Feingold, Azoulay, Gandelman, Israelov, Gloukh, Goldberg, Turgeman, Harush, Niron.
Japan U23
Japan have no fresh injury concerns, but midfielder Yu Hirakawa remains doubtful after missing the previous match. Coach Go Oiwa may look to rotate his squad slightly, with forward Shunsuke Mito pushing for a return to the starting lineup after coming off the bench against Mali.
Projected Japan U23 Lineup (4-2-3-1): Takai, Kimura, Hosoya, Ohata, Kokubo, Fujita, Saito, Sekine, Yamamoto, Mito, Sato.
Team News, Injury and Availability
Israel U23
Injured/Doubtful:
- Stav Lemkin (defender) – injury concern, doubtful for the match
Not Available:
- No other reported absences
Japan U23
Injured/Doubtful:
- Yu Hirakawa (midfielder) – missed previous match, remains doubtful
Not Available:
- No other reported absences
Key Players to Watch
Israel U23:
- Eitan Azoulay: The midfielder has been a bright spot for Israel, showcasing his technical ability and creativity in the center of the park.
- Oscar Gloukh: The young attacker will be crucial to Israel’s hopes of unlocking the Japanese defense.
Japan U23:
- Rihito Yamamoto: The goalscorer in Japan’s win over Mali, Yamamoto’s energy and drive from midfield could be pivotal.
- Kota Takai: The defender has been solid at the back for Japan and will look to maintain their impressive defensive record.
Form Guide
Israel U23:
- Last 5 matches: D L L W D
- Olympic record: D L
Japan U23:
- Last 5 matches: W W D W W
- Olympic record: W W
Head-to-Head
This will be the first-ever meeting between Israel U23 and Japan U23 at the Olympic Games.
Group D Standings
- Japan U23 – 6 points (+6 goal difference)
- Paraguay U23 – 3 points (-3)
- Mali U23 – 1 point (-1)
- Israel U23 – 1 point (-2)
Where to Watch
Israel U23 vs Japan U23 Live Stream and TV Schedule (Other Countries)
- USA: fuboTV, nbcsports.com, NBC Sports App, UNIVERSO NOW, Peacock, UNIVERSO
- UK: discovery+, EuroSport Player UK, discovery+ App
- Canada: CBC Sports App, cbcsports.ca
- Australia: Stan Sport, 9Now
- Germany: Eurosport Player Deutschland
- France: Eurosport Player France, MAX
- Spain: Eurosport Player Spain
- Italy: Eurosport Player Italy, Eurosport Italy
- Japan: TVer, Nippon TV, NHK BS 1
Viewers in other countries should check their local listings for broadcast information.
Who Will Win?
Japan U23 enter this match as strong favorites, having impressed with their attacking flair and defensive solidity. Israel U23, while showing flashes of quality, have struggled for consistency and face an uphill battle.
Given the contrasting fortunes of the two sides, Japan U23 are expected to maintain their perfect record. However, with Israel U23 fighting for their tournament lives, they may put up stern resistance.
Israel U23 vs Japan U23 Prediction: Israel U23 1-3 Japan U23
Japan’s superior quality and momentum should see them through, but expect Israel to push them all the way in what could be an entertaining encounter.
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