Tokyo
Borussia DortmundBy Kelechi Balogun — Football expert specializing in European and American leagues
The Japanese tour of Borussia Dortmund is drawing to a close, with the final test being a friendly match against FC Tokyo on a 67,000-seat stadium. The German club boasts a massive fan base in Japan, so a full house is guaranteed. Can both teams deliver an exciting performance and delight the supporters?
Under the guidance of Rikizo Matsuhashi, Tokyo matched their best-ever result in the J-League's eastern conference last season, finishing second. However, they ultimately missed out on medals, losing to Cerezo Osaka in the playoffs (1-3, 2-2).
That success came at a price: in early July, Tokyo sold their brightest prospect, 19-year-old Ryunosuke Sato (6 goals and 1 assist in 19 league matches last season), to Valencia for a club-record €3 million. To fill his position, they brought in the more experienced Nicolai Vallys – one of the most prominent players in the Danish Superliga, who also shone in the Conference League qualifiers (10 goals and 8 assists in his previous 38 appearances for Brøndby). Tokyo also strengthened their right flank by signing Hirokazu Ishihara and added versatile midfielder Shion Homma.
Even though the J-League season kicks off in just a week, the capital club has played only two friendlies during the preseason. First, they surprisingly lost 1-2 to Montedio Yamagata (a second-division side), then beat Nagoya – the sixth-strongest team from last season's championship – by the same score. Both matches were played in a three-period format of 45 minutes each, ensuring all players got game time. The only absentee due to injury is Kashif Banguraganade, but he is already the third-choice left-back.
The Bundesliga runners-up have played three friendlies against clearly weaker opponents, recording just one win and two losses. These results should not be taken too seriously, as the matches featured mostly young players. The core of the team was either resting or recovering from injuries after the World Cup.
Dortmund plans to significantly overhaul their attacking line. Julian Brandt and Karim Adeyemi, who consistently produced double-digit goal contributions last season, are on their way out. The club is focusing on signing young prospects: Justin Lerma already scored his first goal in a friendly against Rot-Weiss (3-1). New signing Joan Gadou – a 19-year-old center-back bought from Salzburg – has a strong chance of becoming a starter. He was the only Dortmund outfield player to complete all 90 minutes against Cerezo Osaka (0-1) in 30°C heat and over 70% humidity. Similar conditions await the team in Tokyo.
Several players have returned from World Cup leave: Waldemar Anton, Daniel Svensson, Felix Nmecha, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Maximilian Bayer. They were not in the squad for the last match, but they might finally get some minutes at the end of the tour. However, Gregor Kobel, Nico Schlotterbeck, Julian Ryerson, and Rami Bensebaini did not travel to the training camp for various reasons. That's almost the entire first-choice defensive line plus the goalkeeper. Local fans are sure to be delighted by the appearance of their countryman Takato Yamamoto – the coaching staff has been actively giving him playing time this preseason.
Tokyo (4-4-2): Tanaka – Muraya, Scholz, Inamura, Hashimoto – K. Sato, Ko, Tokiwa, Vallys – Ryan, Nagakura
Out: Banguraganade (injury)
Head coach: Rikizo Matsuhashi
Borussia Dortmund (3-4-2-1): Meyer – Redjani, Gadou, Mane – Couto, Job, Yamamoto, Kabar – Inacio, Lerma – Silva
Out: Ryerson, Schlotterbeck, Can, Prates (all injured), Kobel, Bensebaini, Sabitzer (all not in the squad)
Head coach: Niko Kovac
Dortmund looked mediocre against Osaka: just one shot on target and 0.74 xG (expected goals). For comparison, their opponents had four shots on target and 0.81 xG. It's possible that the Dortmund squad will be reinforced by World Cup participants, but how much playing time they will get is unknown. In any case, they will find it difficult to immediately perform in the hot and humid Japanese climate. The hosts are undoubtedly better adapted to such conditions. Moreover, Tokyo played their last friendly at the beginning of last week, while Dortmund played on Wednesday. With fresher legs and a squad closer to their first choice, the Tokyo side can certainly give their opponents a fight and, at the very least, avoid defeat. We suggest this option: Tokyo not to lose at odds of 2.18.
Total Goals Prediction: The exhibition and commercial nature of the match does not guarantee a goal-fest. We saw this in Dortmund's game against Osaka, where there were very few dangerous moments. Tokyo is a team of a similar level, so breaking down their defense will also be challenging. In each of the two summer friendlies involving the hosts, fans saw three goals, even though those matches lasted 135 minutes instead of 90. The heat also does not favor a high tempo. We'll take under 3.5 goals at odds of 1.87.
The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.
Tokyo4-4-2
Borussia Dortmund3-4-2-1I'm confident Borussia will win this match. Their recent performance was poor, but that only strengthens my belief they'll bounce back and secure the victory here—they have to.
I'm confident Borussia Dortmund will not concede many corners at home. Even if they rotate the squad and play at reduced strength, their defensive structure and quality should prevent their opponents from generating sustained pressure in wide areas. The key is that Dortmund's backline, even with changes, is well-organized and disciplined enough to avoid giving away cheap set pieces. I expect the corner count against them to stay low.
Given Borussia Dortmund's recent struggles, I'm confident Tokyo will not lose. Their form gives them a solid chance to come away with at least a point.
I'm backing Tokyo to avoid defeat against Borussia Dortmund. The home side is in solid form and will be tough to break down, especially with the support of their fans. Dortmund might struggle to impose their game away from home, so a draw or a narrow Tokyo win looks likely.
This pick is part of a winning run that's delivered +15,000 in July alone. If you want to follow more confident bets like this, check out my detailed breakdowns in my Telegram.
I don't believe this will be a high-scoring game. I'm expecting a match with just 1–2 goals total.
I predict Germany will win the last exhibition match by a large margin. Their squad depth and recent form are far superior, and the opponent lacks the cohesion to challenge them. The gap in quality will be clear from start to finish.
I'm taking the corners market because I expect the teams to play to their usual strength in this area and secure a win on corners.
I predict two goals in the first half. The match will be a tough, closely fought contest, and both sides will find the net.
Based on Borussia's recent form, I'm confident that Tokyo will either win or at least avoid defeat. To be safe, I'm betting on Tokyo not losing.
I am confident Borussia will win. Their recent form and home advantage give them a clear edge, and I expect their attacking strength to decide the match.
I’m confident we’ll finally beat Borussia and regain some much-needed confidence. The team has been close before, and this time the momentum is on our side. A win here is essential to reset our mindset and prove we can compete at the highest level.
I predict that the team will concede multiple goals because they are playing without any defensive structure. Their all-out attacking approach leaves them exposed at the back, and I expect their opponents to exploit this weakness repeatedly.
After the last friendly, I'm confident Borussia's coaching staff will make the necessary adjustments, and the team will hit the over.
I’m betting that Tokyo will not lose to Dortmund in regular time. The reasoning is straightforward: Tokyo has shown strong defensive organization and resilience, while Dortmund’s inconsistent away form makes a convincing win unlikely. Even with Dortmund’s offensive firepower, I expect Tokyo to hold out for at least a draw, if not a narrow victory. This bet is a confident call on Tokyo avoiding defeat—plain and simple.
My prediction is that the total goals in the second half will exceed 2. This market focuses purely on goals after the break, and I see this game opening up as defenses tire and substitutions occur. The statistical trends and recent form of both teams support a higher-scoring second period. I’m confident this will land.
I predict that in the match between Tokyo and Borussia Dortmund, the first half will see at least 2 goals. Both teams are aggressive from the kickoff and tend to leave gaps early, making high-scoring first halves a consistent pattern.
I’m predicting the first half of this match will be highly productive. Both teams are set up to attack from the start, and recent form shows early goals are a recurring pattern. The pace will be fast, and defensive lapses are likely, so expect at least two goals before halftime. This bet is solid based on the aggressive strategies and head-to-head history.
I'm betting on Germany to beat Japan, but it won't be easy. Germany's discipline and tactical control give them a clear edge over Japan's individual flair, and in a high-stakes clash, structure usually wins. Still, Japan's speed and unpredictability could cause problems, so this is a confident pick, not a sure thing.
I predict the visitors will fail to beat a more motivated opponent again. The home side has a clear edge in drive and determination, which consistently proves decisive in these matchups.
I'm confident Borussia will win this match. Their recent performance was poor, but that only strengthens my belief they'll bounce back and secure the victory here—they have to.
I predict Germany will win the last exhibition match by a large margin. Their squad depth and recent form are far superior, and the opponent lacks the cohesion to challenge them. The gap in quality will be clear from start to finish.
I am confident Borussia will win. Their recent form and home advantage give them a clear edge, and I expect their attacking strength to decide the match.
Given Borussia Dortmund's recent struggles, I'm confident Tokyo will not lose. Their form gives them a solid chance to come away with at least a point.
I'm backing Tokyo to avoid defeat against Borussia Dortmund. The home side is in solid form and will be tough to break down, especially with the support of their fans. Dortmund might struggle to impose their game away from home, so a draw or a narrow Tokyo win looks likely.
This pick is part of a winning run that's delivered +15,000 in July alone. If you want to follow more confident bets like this, check out my detailed breakdowns in my Telegram.
Based on Borussia's recent form, I'm confident that Tokyo will either win or at least avoid defeat. To be safe, I'm betting on Tokyo not losing.
I’m betting that Tokyo will not lose to Dortmund in regular time. The reasoning is straightforward: Tokyo has shown strong defensive organization and resilience, while Dortmund’s inconsistent away form makes a convincing win unlikely. Even with Dortmund’s offensive firepower, I expect Tokyo to hold out for at least a draw, if not a narrow victory. This bet is a confident call on Tokyo avoiding defeat—plain and simple.
I predict the visitors will fail to beat a more motivated opponent again. The home side has a clear edge in drive and determination, which consistently proves decisive in these matchups.
I predict two goals in the first half. The match will be a tough, closely fought contest, and both sides will find the net.
I predict that the team will concede multiple goals because they are playing without any defensive structure. Their all-out attacking approach leaves them exposed at the back, and I expect their opponents to exploit this weakness repeatedly.
After the last friendly, I'm confident Borussia's coaching staff will make the necessary adjustments, and the team will hit the over.
My prediction is that the total goals in the second half will exceed 2. This market focuses purely on goals after the break, and I see this game opening up as defenses tire and substitutions occur. The statistical trends and recent form of both teams support a higher-scoring second period. I’m confident this will land.
I predict that in the match between Tokyo and Borussia Dortmund, the first half will see at least 2 goals. Both teams are aggressive from the kickoff and tend to leave gaps early, making high-scoring first halves a consistent pattern.
I’m predicting the first half of this match will be highly productive. Both teams are set up to attack from the start, and recent form shows early goals are a recurring pattern. The pace will be fast, and defensive lapses are likely, so expect at least two goals before halftime. This bet is solid based on the aggressive strategies and head-to-head history.
I'm confident Borussia Dortmund will not concede many corners at home. Even if they rotate the squad and play at reduced strength, their defensive structure and quality should prevent their opponents from generating sustained pressure in wide areas. The key is that Dortmund's backline, even with changes, is well-organized and disciplined enough to avoid giving away cheap set pieces. I expect the corner count against them to stay low.
I don't believe this will be a high-scoring game. I'm expecting a match with just 1–2 goals total.
I’m confident we’ll finally beat Borussia and regain some much-needed confidence. The team has been close before, and this time the momentum is on our side. A win here is essential to reset our mindset and prove we can compete at the highest level.
I'm betting on Germany to beat Japan, but it won't be easy. Germany's discipline and tactical control give them a clear edge over Japan's individual flair, and in a high-stakes clash, structure usually wins. Still, Japan's speed and unpredictability could cause problems, so this is a confident pick, not a sure thing.
The match is a Club Friendly scheduled for August 1, 2026, at 11:00, and it will be played in a 67,000-seat stadium in Tokyo.
The recommended bet is that Tokyo will not lose, with odds of 2.18. This is based on their better adaptation to the hot and humid conditions and a fresher squad.
While Borussia Dortmund is a stronger team on paper, they are playing with a reduced squad and have struggled in preseason friendlies. Tokyo, with a more match-fit and adapted squad, is seen as a live underdog.
Yes, for Tokyo, Kashif Banguraganade is out due to injury. For Dortmund, several first-choice defenders and goalkeeper Gregor Kobel are not in the squad, while players like Julian Brandt and Karim Adeyemi are leaving the club.
Tokyo has played two friendlies, losing 1-2 to a second-division side but then beating Nagoya 2-1. Dortmund has played three friendlies against weaker opponents, winning only one and losing two, but mostly fielded young players.
The prediction is under 3.5 goals at odds of 1.87, as the match is expected to be low-scoring due to the heat, the exhibition nature of the game, and Dortmund's struggles to create chances in their last friendly.