Paris 2024 Women’s Olympic Soccer: Spain vs Japan Prediction

Rematch of 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Group Stage

Just under a year ago, Japan destroyed Spain 4-0 in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup group stage finale. While Japan won the group, Spain rallied and went on to win the tournament. La Roja will be looking to win gold in their Olympic soccer debut and Thursday’s opener presents an opportunity to avenge their loss against Japan.

Our pick for this match is both teams to score at -120 soccer odds. Read on for our betting analysis and discussion of the women’s Olympic soccer: Spain vs Japan odds.

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Spain vs Japan Betting Analysis

Since their 4-0 loss to Japan last year, Spain are 16-2. So, it’s no surprise the Olympic soccer: Spain vs Japan odds price La Roja as -190 favorites.

At +460, some bettors may fancy Japan but they’ve won just three of their last six matches heading into the Olympics. The over/under goal total is set at three, while Spain are one-goal favorites.

Spain vs Japan Betting Preview & Updates

Spain opened as -188 favorites for their women’s soccer Olympics 2024 opener and the majority of the money has been on them. Japan opened at +375 but many seem to think that Spain will make adjustments and learn from last year’s loss in this fixture.

Spain vs Japan Head-to Head and Recent Scores

Both teams had already clinched a spot in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup knockout stage when these teams met last July. Still, Japan brilliantly hit Spain on the counter-attack time and time again en route to a 4-0 victory.

That was Japan’s first-ever win over Spain, as La Roja hold a 3-1-1 record in this fixture. The first meeting was only seven years ago and both teams have scored in three of the five.

Recent Scores

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Spain: Strong Contenders to Win Gold

Spain have the best women’s soccer player in the world at the moment, Aitana Bonmati. Bonmati won the Golden Ball at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2023 Ballon d’Or Feminin.

She, and midfield partners Alexia Putellas (who also won the Ballon d’Or twice before) and Patri, helped FC Barcelona win a historic continental quadruple last season. Attacker Salma Paralluelo gives Spain dynamism but their defense isn’t infallible.

Spain are a popular pick to bet on the Olympic Games, as they show +200 odds to win gold. Those odds are second to only the USA’s.

Japan: Well-Organized and Tough to Beat

Japan midfielder Hinata Miyazawa won the Golden Boot at the Women’s World Cup with five goals and she scored twice against Spain. On the counter-attack, Japan are deadly and they’re typically a well-organized group.

Saki Kumagai is the last remaining holdover from the 2011 World Cup-winning side and she’ll provide much-needed experience and leadership in the heart of defense. Regardless, Japan can be prone to conceding on set pieces.

Spain vs Japan Betting Prediction

Spain will have learned their lesson from last year and probably won’t play such a high line defensively. Still, they do commit plenty of numbers forward as they like to keep the ball in their opponent’s half.

That should open up opportunities for both teams and we do think Spain and Japan should both get on the scoresheet. Bettors can take that potentiality at -120 Olympic soccer: Spain vs Japan odds.