The other semi-final of the men’s soccer team in the Tokyo Olympics took place between Japan and Spain on August 3.
Japan U23
Japan’s men’s soccer team has a strong squad for this year’s Olympics, with Ritsu Dōan, Kubo Takefusa and other age-appropriate foreign players on the Olympic roster, plus over-age players Hiroki Sakai, Maya Yoshida and Wataru Endo.
In terms of performance, the first game of the group stage 1 goal victory over South Africa, the second game 2-1 victory over Mexico, the final game is a 4 goal victory over France. They won all three matches and made it to the knockout stage, proving their strength by breaking out of Group A where there are many strong opponents.
Attacker Kubo Kenei is in excellent form this Olympics, scoring in all three group games, and he is also the top scorer of Japan in this Olympics. Defender Kenyo Tomiyasu has been suspended for the game due to yellow card accumulation.
Spain U23
The Spanish National Olympic team also attaches great importance to this Olympic Games, and the strength of the squad should not be underestimated, with many players who participated in the European Cup going to Tokyo with the team.
However, the Spanish National Olympic team, which has a lot of experience in the competition, did not perform as expected in the group stage. The first match of the group stage was a 0:0 draw with Egypt, the second match with Australia was a 1-0 victory, and the last match with Argentina was a draw. 1 win and 2 draws is only a moderate performance.
In the last quarterfinal match with Ivory Coast, the Spanish Men’s Olympic Football team was still unstable, and finally survived the extra time, and it is worth noting that the team’s offensive ability is not outstanding.
Comprehensive analysis
If only from the lineup, Spain is indeed stronger than Japan. But from the actual effect, Japan’s performance is very strong in both offensive and defensive ends. It is worth noting that before the Olympic Games, Spain played a friendly match with Japan and the two sides ended up in a 1-1 draw.
It’ s difficult for Spain to take Japan in the regular time.
Prediction：Japan+0.25
