The Netherlands enter as slight favourites against Japan in this group-stage encounter. The model rates the Dutch as the modestly stronger side, which should give them an edge in controlling the match's tempo and creating opportunities. However, the gap between the two teams is not pronounced, suggesting this will be a competitive fixture rather than a mismatch.

Japan will have their chances if they remain disciplined defensively and exploit transitions effectively. The Dutch's modest advantage means they'll need to be clinical in attack to convert their likely dominance into a decisive result. This shapes up as a tactical contest where Netherlands' quality should tell over ninety minutes, but Japan's organisation could keep them competitive throughout.