Doha, November 30 (QNA) - Spain are looking for decisive victory to qualify for the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 when they face Japan on Thursday at Khalifa International Stadium in the Group E's final round of matches.

Spain began the tournament by defeating Costa Rica 7-0, followed by a 1-1 draw with Germany to lead the group with 4 points, while Japan and Costa Rica have three points each, with Japan having an advantage on goal difference. Germany are bottom of the Group with one point.

Spain need one point to qualify for the round of 16, and a draw in tomorrow's match against Japan is enough for Germany. If they win, they will qualify and top the group, but if they lose to Japan, they will have to wait for the result of the match between Germany and Costa Rica.

Midfielder Gavi is likely to miss the game after an injury he suffered in the last match against Germany. Sergio Busquets, who received a yellow card in the match against Germany, is unlikely to play tomorrow in order for him to play the knockout stages without a yellow card.

For their part, Japan will do their best tomorrow in their match against Spain to compensate for a 0-1 loss to Costa Rica, especially as their victory will allow them directly to book a place in the second round.

Japan beat Germany 2-1 in the first round, but lost to Costa Rica 1-0, and are second in the group with 3 points.

Japan hope to reach the round of 16 of the World Cup for the fourth time in their seventh participation in the World Cup.

(QNA)