I usually don’t like backing a market that’s too obvious to everyone, but this one is different. Japan are not a hype-driven favorite; they are the side with the more stable match structure. Tunisia’s 1-5 loss to Sweden in their opener was not just about the ugly scoreline — it exposed clear confusion in their shape, wide-area protection, and attacking balance.
Japan drew 2-2 with the Netherlands in their first match, and that result was actually very useful as a reference point. Against a strong European team, Japan were not completely overwhelmed by the tempo; instead, they were able to keep creating danger through running, pressing, and combinations in the midfield and attacking third. Japan are not the kind of team that rely only on individual brilliance. Their strength lies in collective movement, discipline, and game management.
The most realistic approach for Tunisia in this match is to slow the game down, protect the central areas, and turn it into a low-tempo battle of attrition. But after such a heavy opening defeat, both confidence and tactical clarity will be affected. If Japan stay patient, they don’t need to pile bodies forward — just keep controlling the rhythm, and the chances will come.
This is not about backing a big name; it’s about backing the more stable team structure. Among these three matches, this is the direction I’d be most willing to promote as a top selection.