Japan is in position to finish first in the group, but they’re far from sure of getting into the next round. A win this Thursday over Poland will erase all their anxiety. Although Poland is winless so far and are already eliminated from World Cup contention, they are very much motivated, as they don’t want to get home without a win to show to their countrymen.
Japan is old, but they are not making that an obstacle in dealing damage in the tournament. After scoring a 2-1 upset win over Colombia in the opener, the Japanese engaged Senegal and a slugfest in a match that ended in a 2-2 draw. Following those two matches, it’s clear that Japan are a team that can’t be taken for granted, especially on offense. Japan are currently on top of the group with four points, but they will need to win and score as many goals as possible in order for them to avoid losing in case the top two teams will have to be determined through tie-breakers. Keisuke Honda became the first Japanese to score three World Cup goals, but Takashi Inui emerged as the team’s best player. He scored the first goal for Japan and assisted on Honda’s goal. Who knows what form Japan would be in without Inui making terrific plays on the field.
Betting on Poland (+225)
It’s been an embarrassing tournament for the Polish. Presented with a chance to back into the thick of the race in Group H last Sunday after a 2-1 loss to Senegal in the opener, Poland instead botched on the opportunity and further shamed themselves in a 3-0 loss to Colombia. Although Poland have the uber-talented Robert Lewandowski, the striker often was alone on the attack, leaving him vulnerable to defenders who easily gang up on him knowing Poland do not have enough bite to hurt opponents minus Lewandowski. This Thursday’s match will give Poland their last chance to salvage some semblance of respect, so look for Lewandowski and company to go all out. Robert Lewandowski, who has scored 24 goals in 30 games this past Bundesliga season for Bayern Munich, is also looking for his first score in Russia.
Writer’s Prediction
Poland gets on the win column with a 2-1 victory over a gritty Japan side.
