2023 Women’s World Cup: Japan vs. Spain odds, picks and predictions

Japan (2 wins, 0 losses, 0 draws) battles Spain (2-0-0) in the Group C match Monday. Kickoff from Wellington Regional Stadium is set for 3 a.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Japan vs. Spain odds, and make our best Women’s World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

Group C has already been decided with both Spain and Japan advancing. Spain has a +8 goal differential while Japan has a +7 goal differential, so a draw would leave Spain as the top nation from the group.

Spain beat Costa Rica 3-0 on July 21. It then took down Zambia 5-0 on  Wednesday. Spain’s strength so far has been its defense, allowing just 2 shots on goal through 2 matches. It also has an unheard-of 68 shots through the 2 games. Spain is 6th in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings.

Japan sits 11th and has been equally as impressive. It commenced its World Cup action with a 5-0 win over Zambia, limiting its opponent to 0 shots. Japan has 11 shots on target (25 in total). Against Costa Rica, it allowed 2 shots on target and had 12 itself.

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Japan vs. Spain odds

BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 4:45 p.m. ET.

Japan vs. Spain picks and predictions

Prediction

Spain 2, Japan 1

PASS. LEAN BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE (+115).

Both Japan and Spain have shown clinical finishing in opening 2 matches. Each scored at least 2 goals and while the competition should be stiffer for both sides here, the offensive efficiency should still be there.

Spain has looked several tiers above its opponent while Japan hasn’t looked as dominant, although still performing well. Pass on the Spain money and any other team-specific play.

Given the finishing we’ve seen from both nations, take BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE (+115).

BET OVER 2.5 (+130).

Japan has a more formidable defense than Zambia or Costa Rice, but Spain has topped 20 shots in each match. It will be able to continue to pepper the goal Monday.

Spain had scored at least 2 goals in every match of 2023 (having played 8 leading up to the World Cup). It had scored 3 or more in 6 of those. Its offense has consistently dominated in 2023.

Japan also had 20+ shots in each match and has scored in 3 of its 4 matches leading up to the World Cup, scoring multiple goals in 3 of the 4 as well.

Considering the strength of both sides, take OVER 2.5 (+130).

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