- Japan have won their last 5 matches.
- The Netherlands have won 6, drawn 3 and lost only 1 of their last 10 games in all competitions.
- Japan have kept clean sheets in their last 3 fixtures, conceding only once in their last 4 away matches.
A fixture of styles
The Netherlands and Japan will clash in a fascinating fixture of contrasting styles and a key test of each country's ambition and capability to make a mark on the world stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA. Ronald Koeman has done a decent job since taking the helm in January 2023 and the Netherlands are a possession-based side with a solid structure and a number of different formations to play.
The Dutch typically deploy a 4-3-3 system, but they build up in a structured manner, often with overloaded wide areas and a tempo controlled by the midfielders to help dictate the play. Frenkie de Jong is the man to watch in the middle of the park as he orchestrates proceedings with his calmness and range of passing.
On the other hand, Japan are a high-energy side that can press opponents intensely and transition from defence to attack in the blink of an eye. Hajime Moriyasu has done an excellent job since July 2018, his team have won 7, drawn 2 and lost just once of their last 10 in all competitions.
Dutch defence and Japanese pressing
The Netherlands have a reliable anchor in Virgil van Dijk, who can control the back four and has experience of making decisive interventions in the biggest games. His presence will be a big help when Japan come to press.
That's when Takefusa Kubo has some of his most success, he can get away from his opponents and create chances with his skill and pace down the wings, making him a real threat when on the counter. Wataru Endo provides the backbone of the midfield, breaking up play and providing the spark for their lightning counter-attacks.
Japan's 3-4-2-1 system is flexible enough to change shape depending on the opposition but their style of play is never in question. They press with high intensity and look to exploit turnovers and punish errors. Takumi Minamino is a good example of this as he is often the man that triggers their attacks with his movement and ability to finish a play in transition.
An intriguing clash
This fixture is a clash of philosophies and it should be an intriguing contest at the Dallas Stadium on Sunday. The Netherlands will have to be better than they were when they drew 1-1 with Ecuador, before losing 0-1 to Algeria and scraping by Uzbekistan 2-1 in their Friendly International Matches 2026.
Moriyasu's men have won their last three matches, including victories over Scotland (1-0) and England (1-0) prior to a 1-0 win at home to Iceland, which demonstrates the ruthless efficiency they can display at times.
Koeman's side have won 3, drawn 1 and lost 1 of their last 5, with Cody Gakpo bagging 3 of the Oranje's last 8 goals. We're backing a draw as the most likely result here, as there is little to split them in this fixture. A goal fest isn't anticipated and BTTS - Yes at 1.77 is our selection, while Under 2.5 goals will give us some cover at 1.88.
