On July 31 at 3 AM, the final match of Group D in the Olympic Men’s Football will see Israel U23 face off against Japan U23. Israel U23 must secure a significant victory to have any hope of advancing, while Japan U23 can clinch the top spot in the group with just a draw, or even a minor loss.
Israel U23 has only managed one draw and one loss in their first two group matches, leaving them at the bottom of the table with just one point. However, they’ve scored three goals across the two games, drawing 1-1 with Mali in the opener and losing to Paraguay in the second match, but still managing to score twice.
Japan U23 has won both of their opening matches, defeating Paraguay 5-0 and Mali 1-0, securing their place in the quarterfinals a round early. In the final group match, Japan U23 needs only to avoid defeat to finish top of the group, which would likely mean avoiding Spain in the quarterfinals.
Israel’s overage players are goalkeeper Peretz, defender Goldberg, and midfielder Gandlman. Aside from the goalkeeper, the other two are key players for Israel U23. Japan U23 is the only team without overage players, but European-based players such as Kudo Reo, Fujita Ryou, and Saito Koki provide the backbone of the squad.
With only one point from their first two matches, Israel U23 needs a significant win against Japan U23 in the final game to have a chance at advancing, provided that the result of the other match between Paraguay and Mali also works in their favor.
Japan U23, having already qualified, may rotate their squad in the final group match to prepare for the quarterfinals. Apart from starting goalkeeper Kudo Reo, changes could be made in all other positions for the last group match.
The two teams have no prior history at this age level, but after two group matches, both sides now have a better understanding of each other. Japan U23 achieved three consecutive wins in the previous edition’s group stage, albeit as hosts. Can they replicate the feat of winning all their group matches in this tournament held in France?
Of course, another point of interest is how motivated Japan U23 will be, given that a draw secures the top spot, or even a non-catastrophic loss could still see them advance in first place. The intensity of their effort in the final group match could significantly impact the direction of the game.
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