Konnichiwa, 2015 Women’s World Cup. Defending champion Japan kicked off its World Cup campaign with a win over a spirited Swiss team making its tournament debut. The Nadeshiko’s next assignment is Cameroon, which is also making its first ever trip to the World Cup this year.
But the Africans are the surprise group leaders after a blowout win in their first game against Ecuador, and could give the defending champs more than they bargained for. Read on as we preview this battle at the top of Group C.
Reigning Women’s World Cup champion Japan made a winning start to its title defense with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Switzerland. A 29th minute penalty from captain Aya Miyama was enough to see the Nadeshiko past the surprisingly tough Swiss, who were making their World Cup debut.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]However, it was a less than impressive opening performance from the Japanese, who just barely edged Switzerland in total shots (15-13) and actually saw less of the ball. They only had 45 percent of possession compared to the Swiss’ 55 percent. The champs will have some improving to do in order to get the better of Cameroon, which looked very impressive in its World Cup debut against Ecuador.
The Japanese are certainly capable of a much better performance. They have a team full of experienced veterans – 22 of the 23 players in the squad are 24 years old and above – and technically-gifted attacking players, who should be able to put some pressure on the relatively inexperienced Africans.
Japan was also made to work hard in its opening group game during the 2011 World Cup. Miyama supplied the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over New Zealand. The Nadeshiko looked much more comfortable in their second game as they crushed Mexico, 4-0.
Betting on Cameroon
So much for opening game jitters. Cameroon showed no signs of any such nerves as it demolished fellow World Cup debutant Ecuador 6-0 in its first group game. It was the second-biggest scoreline in the first round of games, right behind Germany’s 10-0 thrashing of the Ivory Coast.
Les Lionnes, who are more renowned for their defensive ability, were absolutely dominant on offense. They rained down 25 total shots on the Ecuadorian goal, 14 of which were on target. Star forward Gaelle Enganamouit, who just turned 23 on Tuesday, gave herself an early birthday present by scoring a historic hat-trick.
The Cameroonians probably won’t enjoy such control against a much superior Japanese team, but that 6-0 result should boost their confidence immensely heading into their big match with the group favorites.
The Africans will likely revert to their more established gameplan of defending deep against the dangerous Japanese. That defense didn’t get much of a test against Ecuador, but it will have a chance to showcase just how good it is against the world champions.
Goalkeeper Annette Ngo Ndom, a veteran of UEFA Champions League football with her club side Nove Zamky, is very experienced in the big stage, while captain Christine Manie is a terrific leader at the back as well as a legitimate goal threat. She has 10 international goals in 60 caps.
Writer’s Prediction
Cameroon continues to surprise as it holds champions Japan to a 1-1 draw. Create a betting account now and earn big with the surprise results in the Women’s World Cup.
