Japan vs Paraguay Preview & Prediction | Paris 2024 Olympics | Men’s Football | Group Stage
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In the last few years, Japan’s senior team have developed something of a ‘golden generation’ and now is a good time to lay down a marker at younger levels by medalling at the Olympics. Paraguay will also fancy their chances of going well in what appears to be an open group alongside Israel and Mali.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Wednesday 24th July, 2024, UK – 6:00pm / US ET – 1:00pm / US PT – 10:00am
HOW TO WATCH THE PARIS OLYMPICS ON TV: UK – BBC is the main broadcaster while some event will be televised on Eurosport / US – NBC is the main broadcaster while some events will be shown on NBCSN, CNBC, USA Network and Telemundo
HOW TO WATCH THE PARIS OLYMPICS ONLINE: UK – BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website & Eurosport Player / US – Events can be streamed on the relevant streaming platforms of NBCSN, CNBC, USA Network and Telemundo
JAPAN PREVIEW: YOUTHFUL EXUBERANCE
Japan have named a 22-man squad without a single overage player in it. Their senior squad is already a young and exciting side so Go Oiwa has decided to trust the production line. That doesn’t mean there isn’t pedigree within the side as the heavily Japanese influenced squad of Sint-Truiden is represented by both Rihito Yamamoto and Joel Chima Fujita.
Benfica’s Leo Kokubo is expected to be their starting goalkeeper, whilst Sparta Rotterdam duo Koki Saito and Shunsuke Mito, as well as Kein Sato of Werder Bremen, are all alongside J1 League players. The Japanese U23 side recently won the AFC U23 Championship with a 1-0 defeat of Uzbekistan in the final in early May.
PARAGUAY PREVIEW: FOCUS ON THE YOUTH
Like Japan, Paraguay have also prioritised their already existing U23 side and production line with just one outfield player over the age of 23 in their squad, that being captain and former West Ham United defender Fabian Balbuena. That does not mean that they do not have some experience within their squad, though.
For example, Brighton and Hove Albion forward Julio Enciso, who recently played at the CONMEBOL Copa America, makes the cut. They also have the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Lazio forwards Enzo Gonsalez and Diego Gonzalez. The big star, though, remains 21-year-old Inter Miami midfielder Diego Gomez.
JAPAN VS PARAGUAY PREDICTION
There is a lot of attacking talent and quality in this Paraguayan squad so their focus will surely be on utilising that, whilst relying on 36-year-old Botafogo goalkeeper Gatito Fernandez and the aforementioned Fabian Balbuena at the back. Japan have talent throughout and won the recent AFC U23 Championship with an impressive defensive record and set of performances. Paraguay may set out to attack the Japanese but their strong defence and ability to counter-attack should suit them nicely.
JAPAN VS PARAGUAY TIP: JAPAN TO WIN
