Netherlands
Netherlands arrive at the World Cup with a few notable concerns: Xavi Simons is out for the tournament after rupturing his ACL in April, Jurrien Timber remains sidelined with an ankle issue, and Memphis Depay has been picked despite limited minutes at Corinthians due to a hamstring problem. From my point of view Koeman will lean on the spine of Van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong and Cody Gakpo to control this game, with Tijjani Reijnders the creative pivot in midfield. I expect the Dutch to dominate territory, but Japan's press could give them a few uncomfortable moments. If they can remain patient, a clean strike from Depay or Gakpo could be enough.
Predicted Lineup: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Ake, van de Ven; Gravenberch, de Jong; Malen, Reijnders, Gakpo; Depay.
Japan
Japan under Hajime Moriyasu are arguably the dark horse of this tournament, with friendly wins over Brazil, England, Scotland, Ghana, Bolivia and Iceland in the past eight months. In my opinion Moriyasu's 3-4-3 with Takefusa Kubo, Ritsu Doan and Keito Nakamura up top is genuinely dangerous against any defence. Kaoru Mitoma is a notable absence and that takes some of the edge off the left flank, but Yuto Nagatomo becomes the first Asian player to feature at five World Cups and brings invaluable experience. I expect Japan to push the Dutch hard and create plenty of chances.
Predicted Lineup: Z. Suzuki; Tomiyasu, Ito, Itakura; Y. Suzuki, Endo, Tanaka, Kamada; Nakamura, Doan, Kubo.
