Club Friendly: Japan vs. Uruguay Betting Analysis and Prediction
Uruguay and Japan both enjoyed contrasting campaigns at the World Cup. The South American side was disappointing as they were eliminated in the group stage, while Japan allowed their fans to dream that a historic run to the final may be achievable.
Both sides will kick off their 2023 campaign of international fixtures with a friendly in the early hours of Friday morning. You can find the latest soccer odds for the friendly, as well as our Japan vs Uruguay prediction, here.
Japan vs. Uruguay Information
Japan vs Uruguay
Location of the game: Japan National Stadium, Tokyo, Japan.
Date and Time: Friday, March 24, 2023. 6:30 AM ET.
How To Watch: ESPN+
Japan vs. Uruguay Recent Scores
This will be the tenth international meeting between Uruguay and Japan. The soccer stats show that Uruguay holds a narrow advantage, as the South American nation has picked up four victories. Three of the previous meetings have ended in draws, while Japan has picked up two victories.
The Japan soccer team come into this fixture having gone two without defeat against Uruguay, which includes a 2-2 draw in the previous meeting between the sides at the Copa America in 2019. An interesting Japan vs Uruguay prediction may be over 2.5 goals, which would have been a winning selection in all but one of the previous meetings.
Japan vs. Uruguay Betting Analysis
Japan Facts To Know
There were potentially no brighter stories at the 2022 World Cup than the success that Japan enjoyed. The Asian nation was written off by many after the groups were drawn, as they were tasked with taking on European heavyweights Germany and Spain. However, they made history by becoming only the third nation in history to come from behind on more than one occasion.
Their success against Spain also saw Japan become the first nation from Asia to top a World Cup group without holding hosting responsibilities.
In truth, there were the picks of many neutrals to go far in the competition, but their dream came to an end after a penalty heartbreak against Croatia in the round of 16. But, there is little doubt that Japanese soccer is on the rise, and another bold showing is likely in the 2026 World Cup.
Uruguay Facts To Know
It could be argued that Diego Alonso was lucky to stay in a job following the World Cup, as Uruguay was one of the most disappointing nations.
The South American nation dropped out of the competition at the group stage, marking the first time since 2002 that they had fallen at the first hurdle. Following a draw against South Korea and a defeat against Portugal, they ended their campaign on a high note with a 2-0 win against Ghana.
However, that success counted for very little in the grand scheme of things. The Uruguay games were largely lacking in quality, as they managed just two goals in three matches, but defensively they remained solid.
A new era begins for the South Americans now, and before making soccer picks on the soccer teams, it’s important to remember that they will be without top scorer Luis Suarez, who announced his retirement following the World Cup.
Updates
There will be a fresh look to the Uruguay forward line, with Maxi Gomes, Facundo Pellistri, and Jonathan Rodriguez likely to lead the line. Meanwhile, Japan has named influential players Daichi Kamada, Takuma Asano, and Kaoru Mitoma in their squad for the upcoming friendlies.
Japan vs. Uruguay Betting Preview
Moneyline
- Japan: +155
- Uruguay: +170
- Draw: +225
Handicap
- Japan (-1): +450
- Uruguay (+1): -200
Over/Under
- Total Goals: Over 2.5 (+115) Under 2.5 (-150)
Japan vs. Uruguay Betting Prediction
After impressing in one of the biggest soccer leagues, we would be prepared to make a Japan vs Uruguay prediction on Mitoma finding the net in this game.
The trends also indicate that over 2.5 goals looks to be a solid chance, as this would have been a winning pick in all but one of the previous meetings between the nations.
- Pick 1: Over 2.5 Goals (+115)
- Pick 2: Kaoru Mitoma To Score (+400)
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