Zambia Vs. Japan Predictions, Probabilities, Selections, How To Watch
Copper Queens take on Nadeshiko at Waikato Stadium! Watch the Women’s World Cup series with our Zambia-Japan odds, predictions, selections and guide on how to watch.
Zambia will showcase the footballing power of Africa to the world. In their first match of the World Cup, the Zambians will look to take on the Japanese and pull off an upset victory.
Japan has established itself as the most successful women’s national team in the Asian Football Confederation. Nadeshiko will look to win their second World Cup in the 2023 edition and lift the flag.
here are the fifa women World Cup prospectsCourtesy of FanDuel.
FIFA Women’s World Cup odds: Zambia-Japan odds
Zambia: +850
Japan:-440
Draw: +550
Goals over 2.5: -360
Goals under 2.5: +230
How to watch Zambia vs Japan
TV: Fox Sports 1, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, Universo
Stream: FuboTV, FIFA+, Peacock Premium, Fox Sports App, FoxSports.com, Universo Now, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blu, Sling Latino
Time: 3 AM ET/12 AM PT
*Watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup live with fuboTV (Click for a free trial)*
Why would Zambia beat Japan?
Given the expectations of a heavy defeat at the Waikato Stadium, it would be a big surprise if Zambia manage to pick up any points in their opening match at the World Cup. Nevertheless, the 77th best team in the latest FIFA rankings is putting Africa in the spotlight. The Copper Queens are the first landlocked country in Africa to qualify for the senior World Cup, either men’s or women’s, making their debut this year.
Recent results in Zambia have been of mixed results. They suffered a narrow 3–2 defeat to Ireland, which was followed by a thrilling 3–3 draw against Switzerland. However, they ended on a high note with an impressive 3–2 win over Germany in their latest match. In their last 10 international games in all tournaments, Zambia have four wins and one draw, and five losses. During these 10 matches, Zambia scored a total of 16 goals for an average of 1.6 goals per game. On the defensive side, he conceded an average of 2.0 goals per game, scoring 20 goals in total, and managed to keep three clean sheets.
Zambia’s preparation for the tournament has been impressive, especially during the friendly matches. Zambia has finished third in the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and also finished third in the 2021 COSAFA Women’s Championship. The Copper Queens also participated in the 2023 Turkish Women’s Cup, where they finished third in Group A behind Slovenia and South Africa.
The team’s captain and main goal scorer is Barbara Banda, who is leading for Zambia. With their impressive performance at the start of the tournament, Zambia fans can dare to hope for a place in the next stage, although they do acknowledge the tough challenge ahead.
As of now, there is no news of the team being affected. In addition to Banda’s impressive role in leading Zambia’s efforts on the field, coach Bruce Mwape will also be expecting more output from his players. Grace Chanda, Rachel Kundanji, and Rachel Nachula provided goal-scoring in the forward spots. Irene Lungu, Ewel Chitundu and Xiomara Mapepa will also be showing some midfield toughness.
Why would Japan beat Zambia?
Japan is expected to get its first victory in the World Cup since its inception. They are eager to show their might to future opponents. Japan is currently the 11th best women’s football team, cementing itself as the best nation in Asia.
Japan has had a good run and has won two out of three matches. They started with a 2–1 win against Portugal and came back after a 1–0 loss to Denmark to beat Panama 5–0 in the MS&AD Cup. In the match against Las Canaleras, Yui Hasegawa scored two goals; Risa Shimizu, Aoba Fujino and Moeka Minami also found the net during the match.
In their last 10 international games across all tournaments, Japan experienced five wins and five losses. In those parts of the games, Japan scored a total of 14 goals, an average of 1.4 goals per game. Defensively, he averaged 0.9 goals per game, scoring nine goals overall and keeping four clean sheets.
As the 2011 champions, Japan has qualified for every single edition of the World Cup, becoming the first and only Asian team to achieve this feat. This year Japan finished second in the Shebeliev’s Cup. They were crowned champions in the 2022 EAFF E-1 Football Championship. In the 2015 World Cup, Nadeshiko received runner-up honours.
After reaching the finals in 2011 and 2015, facing the United States both times and surprisingly becoming world champions for the first time, Japan’s appearances were limited to the Round of 16 in the last World Cup. However, they are ready to compete again and have high hopes of reaching the final stages of the tournament once again.
So far, no injuries have been reported to affect the team, and Mina Tanaka serves as the top goal scorer and oldest forward on the team. Reiko Ueki, Yui Hasegawa, Hinata Miyazawa and Jun Endo will also provide goalscoring ability for the Japanese team. Captain Saki Kumagai will take the captain’s armband and form a tough defensive line with Kiko Seike, Risa Shimizu and Shiori Miyake.
Final Zambia-Japan Predictions & Selections
Zambia managed to pull off a few upset wins recently, but another win in this intense match will be tough to pull off. Lots of goals are expected, but Japan takes the cake in high-scoring style.
Final Zambia-Japan Predictions & Selections: Japan (-440), Over 2.5 Goals (-360)
