So the rematch is set. After contesting one of the most memorable finals matches in history four years ago, defending champions Japan will once again meet the US Women’s National Team in the final of the 2015 Women’s World Cup.
The USWNT will be confident of claiming revenge over the Japanese after upsetting juggernaut Germany in the semis. But the Nadeshiko have simply found ways to win all tournament, and will be out to break American hearts again. Read on below for our comprehensive preview of the final.
Also, check out what the soccer experts are thinking about this matchup in our 2015 Women’s World Cup final experts picks piece.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]In a tournament where they have not looked all too impressive, the Americans turned in by far their most impressive performance in their 2-0 semifinal win over co-tournament favorite Germany. The two-time champions now advance to their record fourth Women’s World Cup final.
The USWNT stood toe to toe against the mighty Germans in terms of possession (51-49 in favor of Germany) and also attempted 12 shots on goal (five on target). Meanwhile, its immense defense defanged a German attack that led the tournament with 20 goals.
For the second game in a row, head coach Jill Ellis got her tactics spot on. She once again placed midfielder Carli Lloyd in an advanced position, which has greatly improved the Americans’ midfield and attacking play. Lloyd scored the penalty to put the Americans in front against Germany – she now has three goals in the last three games – and supplied the assist for the clinching goal.
A lot of credit also has to go to Morgan Brian, whose excellent play in the past two games as the holding midfielder has allowed Lloyd to push up field.
The Americans’ reinvented midfield more than held its own against Germany, and it will fancy its chances of doing the same against a Japanese unit that has failed to truly dominate any of its opponents in this tournament.
Japan afforded England 15 shot attempts, chances which US star striker Alex Morgan (52 goals in 89 caps) is more than capable of capitalizing upon. Morgan scored the US’s opening goal in the 2011 final against Japan.
Meanwhile, the US defense is playing so well that it’s hard to imagine any ball getting past goalie Hope Solo’s watch. Solo has not allowed a goal in the last 513 minutes of play.
The US is undefeated (in normal time) against Japan in seven matches all-time (six wins and a draw).
Betting on Japan
It took a remarkable piece of luck in the form of an injury time own goal, but Japan will take it. That huge slice of fortune brought the defending champions back to the Women’s World Cup final after a hard-fought 2-1 win over England in the semifinal.
With the win, the Nadeshiko maintained their 100 percent record in the tournament (six wins in six matches). However, the Japanese have been far from dominant despite their perfect slate. All six of their wins have only been by a single goal.
The defending champs will be in somewhat of a disadvantage given that they’ll have one less day of rest before the final compared to the US. But legendary midfielder Homare Sawa should be fresh and ready to go for the final after she was an unused substitute against England.
The 2011 Golden Ball winner will be crucial in maintaining the Nadeshiko’s patented possession-style football against the Americans and their reconfigured midfield. The Japanese have controlled possession for much of the tournament, keeping at least 57 percent of the ball in four of their six matches.
Terrific ball retention has been at the heart of the very impressive Japanese defense. They’ve conceded just three goals all tournament – two were consolation goals in the 90th minute or later, and one was a penalty.
Japan lacks the game-changing individual talent offensively, which could be an issue against an equally resolute US defense. But it has managed to find goals from all over the team, with seven different Japanese players contributing to the team’s eight tournament goals.
Writer’s Prediction
The US gets its revenge on Japan as it edges the champions, 2-1, in another closely-contested game. Create a betting account now and be part of the action in this highly-anticipated Women’s World Cup final rematch.
