DOHA, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) — Japan face Croatia, whereas Brazil tackle South Korea within the World Cup final 16 on Monday in two fascinating ties. Here are 4 issues to look out for:
1. Will accidents trigger Brazil issues?
Brazil can be clear favorites towards South Korea, however coach Tite has received some harm worries that would disrupt his facet. It was confirmed on Saturday that ahead Gabriel Jesus and defender Alex Telles are each out of the World Cup by means of harm. Danilo and Alex Sandro are additionally doubts, whereas the Brazilians are additionally persevering with to observe Neymar’s ankle.
It is in protection that Brazil have essentially the most issues, with Dani Alves trying effectively off the tempo towards Cameroon and Eder Militao or Marquinhos requested to modify to cowl at left again, leaving Brazil wanting defensive cowl on the bench.
2. South Korea to be courageous however affected person
The South Koreans saved calm to qualify with a nerve-shredding 2-1 win over Portugal, with the successful objective coming in harm time. But though they wanted to attain, the South Koreans stayed disciplined, with out throwing the whole lot ahead haphazardly.
Son Heung-min seems to be to be working himself as much as full health, whereas Lee Kang-in provides high quality service in assault to striker Cho Gue-sung and the Koreans have proven on this World Cup that they’ll get into good positions and put the ball into harmful areas.
Their protection could possibly be a weak point, however South Korea shouldn’t be underestimated, both for soccer or self-discipline.
3. Can Japan do it once more?
Nobody can query the deserves of a Japanese facet that has reached the final 16 of the World Cup by beating Spain and Germany with spectacular shows of counter-attacking soccer.
There is not any purpose to see why coach Hajime Moriyasu will change his techniques towards a Croatian facet that additionally like to regulate the ball and they’ll fancy their probability towards a rival that is not precisely quick in midfield.
One factor that’s sure is that Japan’s followers will add noise and shade to the stands within the Al Janoub Stadium.
4. Croatia have to tighten up
Even although Croatia certified for the final 16 with a 0-0 draw over Belgium, it wasn’t with out its nervous moments and if Romelu Lukaku had been even only a bit simpler in entrance of objective, the 2018 runners-up would have been out of the event.
The Japanese can have targeted on Croatia’s lack of tempo in midfield and protection as a weak level and gamers equivalent to Ritsu Doan and Kaoru Mitoma, who made such an affect towards Spain, will assume they’ve a superb probability of a repeat efficiency.