Match: East Asian Cup
Fixture: Japan vs China (Neutral Venue)
Local Kick-off Time: 19:20, July 12, 2025
Venue: Yongin Dragon Stadium, Yongin City, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Team Strength Summary:
As a top Asian team, Japan ranks 15th in the FIFA rankings, with a possession-based system at its core, focusing on midfield control and quick counter-attacks. Although they did not call up European-based players for this East Asian Cup, their domestic league players still boast strong strength. The team thrashed Hong Kong, China 6-1 in the first round, showcasing formidable attacking firepower. Currently fielding a youngster-dominated squad, they exhibit strong tactical discipline, compressing opponents' space through possession and proving highly efficient in counter-attacks.
China have faced Japan 32 times in history, recording 7 wins, 8 draws and 17 losses, with 29 goals scored and 47 conceded. Their last victory over Japan came in the 1998 East Asian Four Nations (a 2-0 win), and they have remained winless in the 27 years since, managing only 2 draws and 8 losses in the last 10 meetings. China lost 0-3 to South Korea in the first round, exposing severe issues at both ends: a lack of creativity in attack, defensive frailties, and dented confidence among players. Interim coach Jurjevic may adjust tactics, adopting a 5-back formation to strengthen defense.
Handicap Prediction:
Japan -2.5 (Asian Handicap)
Win (European Odds)
Predicted Scores: 4-0, 4-1, 4-2
Changes in Betting Data:
Major Asian betting centers currently opened with Japan -2.5 as the initial handicap, while European Odds started with 1.04-8.70 18.00. The handicap indicates that China have almost no ability to resist. There is a huge gap in FIFA rankings between the two teams. In terms of popularity, European Odds show an overwhelming trend, with Japan being the popular betting choice. In Asian Handicap, Japan -2.5 also has a large number of bettors, and Japan -2.5 has now reached low odds, making a big win for Japan in this match almost a foregone conclusion.
Predicted Goals: 4-5-6
Changes in Betting Data (Goals):
Centered on Asian betting markets, the initial total goals line for this match was 3, which has now been adjusted to 3.25. The over 3.25 option has now dropped to low odds and is likely to rise to 3.5 soon. Looking at the attacking firepower of both teams, Japan need to take on more goalscoring responsibilities, as China have scored only 1 goal in their last 5 games across all competitions. Matching the handicap of this match, Japan scoring 4 goals alone is also trustworthy.
