2022 World Cup picks, predictions: Germany-Japan, Canada-Belgium

Wednesday’s World Cup slate could be an absolute whopper. 

While three of the four matches feature clear favorites, there are a couple of underdogs on Matchday 4 that have high ceilings and could cause a lot of problems against the chalk.

Let’s jump in, starting with a matchup between Japan and Germany. 

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Japan vs. Germany prediction

Germany and Spain are both massive favorites to advance from Group E, but overlooking Japan would be a big mistake. Although Samurai Blue doesn’t have the star power and depth that the two European giants possess, Japan has enough technically gifted players and plays a thrilling style that could give La Furia Roja and Die Mannschaft issues if they’re not on song. 

This is especially true against Germany, who employ a very aggressive approach under manager Hansi Flick. 

Against most underdogs, Germany can afford to send as many players forward as they want, but that type of philosophy plays right into Japan’s strengths. At their best, Samurai Blue are a frenetic, high-pressing team that wants to force turnovers far up the pitch and then counter as quickly as possible.

Germany has players that can handle an energetic press – the Bundesliga is full of teams that play like Japan – but that doesn’t mean they won’t be susceptible against a talented, dangerous and thrilling underdog on Wednesday.

Japan vs. Germany pick

The pick: Japan (+600, FanDuel)

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Canada vs. Belgium prediction

The horizon is in sight for Belgium’s Golden Generation. The Red Devils were among the most talented teams in international soccer over the last 10 years. Still, Father Time has caught up with Roberto Martinez’s side, putting a damper on expectations for a squad that was among the favorites to win four years ago. 

On the other side of the ball, Canada’s Golden Generation is just getting started. Led by legitimate stars Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, the Maple Leafs are at the World Cup for just the second time ever and the first time since 1986. And they’re not just here to make up the numbers. 

Although they don’t have a deep team, the Canadians are a standout defensive outfit that plays a well-organized defensive style that has worked brilliantly in CONCACAF Qualifying. Whether Canada’s defense can handle an attack as robust as Belgium’s remains to be seen, but there are plenty of questions to ask about the Belgian defense as well.

Like Germany, Belgium prefers to play a high-risk, high-reward style that allows its creative players to control the game. That romantic philosophy helped turn the Red Devils into one of the most exciting teams in the world, but it’s also a dangerous game to play because it leaves a lot of work for the backline to do. In previous years, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, and the Belgian rearguard could handle that kind of assignment. Still, they’re now in the latter stages of their respective careers, and there’s not much help coming through the ranks. 

A direct, counterattacking outfit like Canada could cause enough problems to justify a bet on the moneyline on Wednesday afternoon.

Belgium vs. Canada pick

Canada (+550, FanDuel)