Netherlands vs Japan Betting Tips and Stats

Ayase Ueda is too big to ignore for a goal or an assist against the Netherlands on Sunday night. The Japanese forward has a respectable return of 16 goals in 39 appearances for his country, alongside 3 assists. Notably, 3 of those goal involvements have come across his last 7 appearances.

Ueda should arrive at the World Cup brimming with confidence after an impressive season at Feyenoord, where he finished as the Eredivisie’s top goalscorer with 25 goals across 31 outings, adding a couple of assists for good measure. The fact he is also on penalty duty for Japan only strengthens the case for siding with this selection.

While the Netherlands will be aiming for a deep run at this year’s World Cup, they have shown signs of defensive vulnerability, most recently conceding against Uzbekistan in their final warm-up match.
It is also worth noting that Ronald Koeman’s side have failed to keep the back door shut in recent friendlies against both Ecuador and Norway.

Denzel Dumfries looks terrific value to attempt 2 or more shots against Japan on Sunday night. The Dutch right-back attacks with plenty of intent and regularly gets into advanced areas in the final third, which is reflected in his shot numbers. During World Cup qualification, Dumfries averaged 2.39 efforts per game and registered multiple attempts in 5 of his 6 appearances. He also fired off at least 2 shots in 2 of his 5 outings at Euro 2024, including the Netherlands’ semi-final defeat to England.

The case for siding with this selection becomes even more enticing when you factor in his club figures. The Dutchman delivered at least 2 shots in 6 of his final 8 starts for Inter Milan in Serie A last season, including 4 in a home game against Parma last month.

Dumfries should be afforded plenty of opportunity to get into the final third against a Japan side who will look to take a proactive approach and could leave themselves exposed on the counter-attack.

Back Ryan Gravenberch to earn the Netherlands at least one free-kick on Sunday night. The classy Dutch midfielder’s ability to draw fouls often goes under the radar, despite it being a consistent part of his game.
During the Netherlands’ World Cup qualification campaign, Gravenberch won an average of 1.61 free-kicks per 90, drawing at least 2 fouls in 3 of his 6 appearances. That trend has continued in recent friendly fixtures, with the Liverpool man being brought down once against Norway and 3 times against Uzbekistan last time out.

His club numbers only strengthen the argument. Gravenberch was fouled an average of 1.14 times per game in the Premier League last season, with that figure rising to 1.59 in the Champions League.

The Dutchman is likely to find himself involved in plenty of midfield duels with Daichi Kamada, who is not shy about putting himself about. The Japanese midfielder has committed 5 fouls across his last 3 starts for his country.