Published Jun 9, 4:59am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jun 9, 4:59am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Jun 9, 4:59am ET
Action in Group F gets underway with a fascinating clash in Arlington, Texas, as the Netherlands and Japan collide at the FIFA World Cup.
Both nations are among the leading contenders to top the Group F standings, and both will be aiming to avoid defeat in their opening match of this summer’s World Cup.
|
|
|---|---|
| Netherlands | +102 |
| DRAW | +268 |
| Japan | +273 |
Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands open their World Cup campaign with arguably heir most challenging fixture in group F. The Oranje qualified with ease, winning six of their eight fixtures, and scoring an impressive 27 goals.
The Netherlands have been losing finalists on three previous occasions, which includes runs to the semi-finals in two of their last three appearances.
Despite losing 1-0 against Algeria in a recent friendly, the Netherlands have largely shown impressive form, winning six of their previous nine matches. Jurrien Timber will miss the World Cup, but Denzel Dumfries is an able deputy at right-back.
ALSO SEE: World Cup 2026 Outright Winner Odds, Preview, and Picks
I think that Hajime Moriyasu’s Japan may be one of the most interesting nations at this summer’s World Cup. They have reached the round of 16 in each of the last two editions of the competition, and they look like a good bet to reach the quarterfinals for the first time this year.
This is arguably their most talented squad in history, and they eased through qualifying after winning 13 of their 16 fixtures, and scoring an impressive 54 goals. Their excellent form has continued over the last 12 months, claiming notable wins over Brazil and England.
Japan’s prowess on the counterattack will cause major issues for every team that they come up against this summer, and they have kept clean sheets in their last five fixtures.
I’m excited to see Japan in action this summer, and I feel that they could threaten an upset in the competition. Their defensive prowess will be crucial on MD1, and I could foresee them winning a fourth straight fixture by a 1-0 scoreline.
|
Pick
Japan (+273)
|
New Player Bonus
50% up to $1000
|
