FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Japan vs North Korea: Predicted Lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Published at :March 19, 2024 at 4:08 PM

Modified at :March 19, 2024 at 4:09 PM

Japan have remained unbeaten in their last 10 home games!

Two wins from two matches have helped Japan lead their FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Round 2 group so far. They have put themselves in a strong position to progress to the next phase of the competition after winning both matches against Syria and Myanmar. They already are an experienced World Cup side, which is visible in their gameplay. During the last match against Syria, they defeated them 0-5 with immense quality.

With one win and one loss, North Korea sit in second place on the World Cup qualifying table. They played against Syria in their opener, but were unable to break through their defensive resilience and succumbed to a loss. However, with II-Gwan Jong scoring a hat-trick in their last match against Myanmar, they managed to come up with an impressive 1-6 win.

Kick-Off:

Thursday, 21 March at 3:53 PM IST

Venue – Japan National Stadium

Form:

Japan (in all competitions): L-W-W-L-W

North Korea (in all competitions): W-L-L-L-L

Player to Watch

Takefusa Kubo (Japan)

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Japan vs North Korea: Predicted Lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast Takefusa Kubo — Kubo will spearhead Japan’s attack in this tie.

With seven goals and three assists for Real Sociedad this season, Takefusa Kubo has been in excellent form for the club. In addition to scoring some crucial goals for the team, the attacker has shown a creative edge in his game this season. In addition to scoring four goals since making his debut, he will aim to play an important role in his team’s push for a World Cup spot.

II-Gwan Jong (North Korea)

With his hold-up play and aerial ability playing a key role in the team, the 31-year-old scored a sensational hat-trick in the last match to give North Korea a deserved 1-6 victory against Myanmar. In 57 appearances for the team, he has scored 21 goals. He will aim to make a crucial contribution to the team’s push for a place in the 2026 World Cup.

Match Facts

Japan lost to Iran in their last match
North Korea defeated Myanmar in the last match by a scoreline of 1-6
Japan are unbeaten in their last 10 home games

Injury and Team News

Japan will be without three players due to the recent controversies surrounding Junya Ito. After missing the Asian Cup due to injury, goalkeeper Keisuke Osako has been recalled. After being injured, Takehiro Tomiyasu has also been excluded.

North Korea have all their players available. The coach will probably keep the same XI that hammered Myanmar 1-6 in the last qualifier.

Head-to-Head

Total Matches- 4

Japan- 2

North Korea- 2

Draw- 0

Predicted Lineup for Japan vs North Korea

Japan Predicted lineup (4-1-4-1):

Suzuki; Maikumu, Itakura, Machida, Ito; Endo; Doan, Kubo, Morita, Maeda; Ueda

North Korea Predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Kang; Choe, Jang, Kim, Choe; Kim, Ri, Choe; Paek, Han, Jong

Match Prediction for Japan vs North Korea

Both teams have not enjoyed great success in the last couple of matches. Japan however, will have a high level of confidence going into this match as they have not lost at home in the last 10 outings. With home advantage, Japan should have a good chance of winning against North Korea.

Prediction: Japan 2-1 North Korea

Telecast for Japan vs North Korea

India- Not available

UK- Not available

US- Not available

Nigeria- Not available

Japan- DAZN JP

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