Japan extended its winning streak in the Women’s World Cup to eight matches with a narrow one-goal victory over Australia on Saturday. The Nadeshiko will look to preserve their unbeaten run this coming Wednesday when they take on England in a mouth-watering semifinal clash at Commonwealth Stadium.
Read on below for a complete preview of this titanic matchup and while you’re at it, you can check out our breakdown of the other semifinal between the USA and Germany.
Japan’s quest for back-to-back World Cup titles is still very much alive after pulling off a heart-stopping 1-0 victory against Australia on Saturday. Mana Iwabuchi scored the winning goal for the defending champions who preserved their 100% record in this tournament. The 22-year-old got the breakthrough after 87 minutes, stroking in from close range after Azusa Iwashimizu’s shot was blocked.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]It was a fantastic display from the Japanese who recorded their fifth consecutive one-goal victory in this tournament. Key to Japan’s success in this tournament thus far has been its tremendous depth. Seven different players has scored for Japan in this year’s World Cup.
For Japan to grab the all-important victory against the England, it needs to control the possession game once again. They had 60% of the ball in their victory against Australia and that helped the Nadeshiko establish a 15-8 advantage in shot attempts.
Defense will also play a key part in Japan’s bid to repeat as champions this year. Through five matches in this tournament, Japan has only conceded two goals. The Nadeshiko will need to be wary, though, of an English attack that has already scored a whopping eight goals in this year’s World Cup.
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Betting on England
England barged into the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup for the very first time, hacking out a thrilling 2-1 victory over Canada on Saturday. The Lionesses made a dream start with Jodie Taylor and Lucy Bronze scoring goals in the opening 15 minutes. That proved to be enough for England who will next face Japan in the semifinals.
Key to England’s deep run in this tournament has been its prolific offense. Ever since being shut out by France in its opening game, England has managed to score at least two goals in its next four matches. Leading England’s offensive revival is the incredible Bronze. With her goal against Canada, Bronze became the first English player to score twice in the Women’s World Cup knockout stage.
That being said, England needs to be solid at the back as well if they are to advance to the championship match. Even though they were outshot by Canada in attempts (14-8) in the quarterfinals, the Lionesses remained resolute in defense as they absorbed each and every one of the hosts’ attacks.
Credit must go to goalkeeper Karen Bardsley who kept England in the match with a string of world-class saves. She had two in total in the win against Canada. Bardsley has recorded 15 saves in five matches played in this tournament thus far.
Even though England will enter its match against Japan as the clear underdogs, the Lionesses will take heart in the fact that it has an excellent record against the defending champions in the World Cup. They are 1-0-1 against Japan in the World Cup, outscoring the Asian champions, 4-2 in those two matches.
Writer’s Prediction
Japan (EVEN) books a place in the final with a nervy 1-0 win.
