Japan Must Up Their Game If They Are to Topple USA in Women’s World Cup Final

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: July 2, 2015

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On Wednesday night, there was heartbreak for England in Edmonton but scenes of absolute joy for Japan. The Nadeshiko, with their last-gasp 2-1 victory, sealed their place in Sunday’s final of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where they will meet the USA in Vancouver.

They have spent a lot of time in the city on the western coast, winning three games at BC Place Stadium, and now they are one game away from winning their second consecutive World Cup final.



What is most impressive about Japan’s road back to Vancouver is that they stand on the verge of World Cup success and haven't even played their best football yet.

Norio Sasaki’s well-organised team did the bare minimum to pass through the group stage with a 3-0 record. Switzerland gave them a battle in the opening game, with Japan winning through a slightly controversial penalty.



Cameroon took their second game all the way, bringing the game back to 2-1 late in the second half and then watching Gaelle Enganamouit’s injury-time header sneak past the back post.

With six points in the bank, Japan did enough to beat Ecuador 1-0—the South Americans had conceded 16 goals in their first two games. However, nine points is still nine points, and Sasaki’s side topped the group.

For 45 minutes against the Netherlands, Japan played the type of football that we became accustomed to four years ago, but apart from brief glimpses, especially against England, they have been far from impressive.



Speaking to FIFA.com after Wednesday’s match, Sasaki said:

England were more mobile than I was expecting, and we struggled to cause them problems. We didn’t play as well as I’d hoped, but when you qualify, it means you’ve achieved your objective.

As for the own goal, I feel sorry for the player, but Yuki Ogimi was right behind ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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