Poland has nothing to play for in its Group H finale Thursday, while Japan is tied for first with Senegal. All the Japanese need to assure a spot in the knockout round is a draw. They are favored on the 2018 World Cup odds to win at MyBookie Sportsbook, which could give them the group.
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There are likely to be some changes in the Polish starting XI for this one compared to the two previous games. Many expect that Lukasz Fabiański will replace Wojciech Szczesny in a goal, and there is also a possibility that Glik will start from the beginning.
Bednarek will probably keep his place in the center of defense as Michal Pazdan is doubtful because of the injury he picked up against Colombia. Superstar Lewandowski will keep his place as he searches for his first World Cup goal.
Poland entered the World Cup ranked highest of the four teams in Group H at eighth but ended up being the first team out of contention for the knockouts with a lackluster performance in their first two matches. Poland led their qualifying group almost from start to finish, finishing with eight wins, one draw and a defeat with Lewandowski leading Europe’s qualifying campaign with 16 of the side’s 28 goals.
“Let’s be frank: we have been one of the worst teams of this tournament in the first two games. Why? There isn’t only one reason, it would be a long discussion,” Glik said this week.
Poland’s only World Cup meeting with an Asian side came in 2002 – losing 2-0 in the group stages against South Korea.
2018 World Cup Odds & Expert Prediction: Japan v Poland
Inspired as a child watching Korea/Japan 2002 on home soil
Lee Jaesung has realised his dream of playing at the #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/vnIKSD84iH — FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) 27 de junio de 2018
- When: Thursday, 10 AM ET
- Where: Volgograd Arena, Volgograd, Russia
- 2018 World Cup Betting Odds: Japan +153 / Poland +180 / Draw +215 (total 2.5)
Why Bet on Japan?
- Confederation: AFC
- Head coach: Akira Nishino
- Captain: Makoto Hasebe
- FIFA Ranking: 61
- World Cup Appearances: 6
Projected Line-Up
- 1-E. Kawashima
- 22-M. Yoshida
- 5-Y. Nagatomo
- 19-H. Sakai
- 3-G. Shōji
- 17-M. Hasebe
- 14-T. Inui
- 10-S. Kagawa
- 8-G. Haraguchi
- 7-G. Shibasaki
- 15-Y. Ōsako
Why Bet on Poland?
- Confederation: UEFA
- Head coach: Adam Nawałka
- Captain: Robert Lewandowski
- FIFA Ranking: 8
- World Cup Appearances: 8

Projected Line-Up
- 1-W. Szczęsny
- 2-M. Pazdan
- 20-Ł. Piszczek
- 4-T. Cionek
- 16-J. Błaszczykowski
- 13-M. Rybus
- 10-G. Krychowiak
- 19-P. Zieliński
- 11-K. Grosicki
- 9-R. Lewandowski
- 7-A. Milik
Expert Final Score Prediction
Japan 2 – Poland 0Prime Source for the 2018 World Cup
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