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Japan vs Croatia: Predictions, tips & betting odds

Japan and Croatia will fight it out for a place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup on Monday.

Japan have never made it beyond the last 16 of the competition but they have impressed so far, beating Germany and Spain to make it this far. Croatia, meanwhile, made it to the final last time out and will be eager to have another crack at the trophy by going all the way.

Japan vs Croatia latest odds

Croatia are only slight favourites to win the last 16 tie and progress to the next round at odds of Evens (2.00) with bet365.

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Croatia are the outsiders to emerge victorious at odds of 3/1 (4.00) while the draw is priced at 9/4 (3.25).

Japan vs Croatia first goal scorer odds

Andrej Kramaric is the favourite to open the scoring at 11/2 (6.50) while compatriot Ante Budimir is available at 6/1 (7.00).

Takuma Asano is Japan's lowest-priced player to break the deadlock at 15/2 (8.50) while Shuto Machino is set at 9/1 (10.00).

Japan vs Croatia preview

Japan have upset the odds so far in this tournament. They got the better of both Germany and Spain to qualify for the last 16 as group winners, sending Hansi Flick's team crashing out.

They are looking to make it to the quarter-finals for the first time. The Asian nation made it this far in 2018 but were beaten 3-2 by Belgium to go crashing out.

Croatia may have underwhelmed outside of their 4-1 win against Canada, having drawn with Group F winners Morocco and Belgium.

But as the finalists of 2018, they have shown they can compete on the big stage and will be determined to continue their campaign beyond the last 16,

Japan vs Croatia tips and predictions

This could be a close encounter so backing under 2.5 goals in the game at 8/13 (1.62) may be worth a bet.

Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

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