Japan vs South Africa: The hosts, Japan begins their 2020 Olympics with the national football side as they face South Africa in the opener on Thursday.
LIVE LINK to watch Japan vs South Africa:
Live Sites (olympics.com)
Match Details:
Teams: Japan vs South Africa
Date: Thursday 22nd July, 2021
Time: 04:30 PM IST
Venue: Ajinomoto Stadium, Chofu, Japan
U-24 Japan National Team expecting an “All-out battle” against South Africa at the Games of the XXXII Olympia #football https://t.co/mBGpMCBq36
— jfa_en (@jfa_en) July 21, 2021
MATCH PREVIEW:
The hosts, Japan kick start their Olympics with their football team taking on South Africa on Thursday, as they look to start positively.
Group A consists of Mexico and France as well. Hence, the Japan side needs to get the ball rolling without further delay.
Consistency is the name of the game during Olympics with each side getting 3 matches only in group stage before 2 qualify.
Being the hosts, Japan will look to have a bright start and use home advantage to their comfort.
On the other hand, South Africa are the underdogs of this group as they can spring a surprise when required.
With a number of quality players in their side, Japan will not find it easy.
We expect a quality match-up between two good sides awaiting national glory.
Line-ups
Japan:
Osako, Sakai, Yoshida, Hatate, Tanaka, Endo, Kubo, Mitoma, Ueda, Maeda and Hayashi.
South Africa:
Williams, Malepe, Mohamme, Mukumela, Fleurs, Mokoena, Mahlatsi, Singh, Foster, Makgopa and Lakay.
Prediction: Japan 2-1 South Africa
The hosts should edge this one due to the home advantage and recent form.
South Africa are winless in their last 3 and could take a while to regain confidence.
