Sweden gaffer Graham Potter will be hoping to conjure up a bit of magic as his side face a dangerous Japan outfit in a Group F shootout with second place on the line. He might share a surname with the Boy Who Lived, but he’ll need more than a wand-waving trick or two to get one over a Japan team that’s looked sharp. Big games mean big bets, and I’ve picked out three selections that could work a bit of magic. Let’s get stuck in.
Japan vs Sweden Bet Builder
One of the best online bookies, William Hill, is offering great odds on this fixture, and I’m here to take advantage. Check out all my selections below and make sure to click the link on the odds if you want to play along.
| Market | Odds (Bookmaker) | Return for £5 |
|---|---|---|
| Over 2.5 Goals | 8/11 (William Hill) | £8.64 |
| Alexander Isak to Score or Assist | 13/10 (William Hill) | £11.50 |
| Sweden to Have Most Cards | 1/2 (William Hill) | £7.50 |
| Bet Builder | 5/1 (William Hill) | £30.00 |
*All odds on this page are correct at 13:00 BST on 25/06/2025. Odds subject to change.
EXPIRING:
31/12/2026
Bet 1: Over 2.5 Goals
Forget Netflix, HBO or doom-scrolling your local Facebook group — if you want entertainment, Sweden matches have been the place to be.
Since the start of the year, the Swedes have played six games, and their matches have somehow produced 29 goals. That's an eye-watering average of almost five goals per match.
Sticking with the number five, Graham Potter's men smashed five past Tunisia in their World Cup opener before kindly returning the favour by conceding five to the Netherlands a few days later.
At this point, it almost doesn't matter whether Sweden are casting attacking spells or producing defensive horrors. One thing seems certain whenever they take the field: goals. With that in mind, over 2.5 goals is the first selection on the slip.
Bet 2: Alexander Isak to Score or Assist
It hasn't exactly been a season to remember for Alexander Isak. Between transfer drama, injury setbacks and a lack of goals at club level, the Sweden star has spent more time battling headlines than filling the back of the net.
But international football can be a funny old game.
While his club campaign never really got going, Isak has arrived at the World Cup with a point to prove, registering four goal contributions in just two matches. Three of those have been assists, showing he's just as capable of creating chances as finishing them.
With Sweden needing a result and Isak at the heart of everything good they do going forward, I'd be surprised if he doesn't have a hand in at least one goal here. Whether he scores it himself or tees up a teammate, backing Isak to score or assist looks a smart play.
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Bet 3: Sweden to Have Most Cards
Japan are basically the teacher's pet of international football. Their fans clean the stadium, their players tidy the dressing room, and at this World Cup they've somehow managed to get through two games without picking up a single booking.
Sweden are a different story.
Potter's lads saw three yellow cards waved in their direction against the Netherlands, and with their World Cup hopes hanging in the balance, I wouldn't be shocked if a few more follow.
The maths is pretty simple. Japan can get the job done with a draw, while Sweden need to go hunting for all three points. That means pressing harder, tackling quicker and, when things aren't going to plan, occasionally taking one for the team.
When the pressure ramps up, so do the fouls. Sweden to collect the most cards is my final selection.
My 5/1 Bet Builder is Live
Talk is cheap. That's why here at ThePuntersPage, we back the bets that we recommend. Below is my betslip ahead of Japan's huge match with Sweden. If you're playing along, good luck, and make sure to gamble responsibly.
