Japan has already booked its spot in the knockout stage of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. But the Nadeshiko may not want to ease off the gas just yet when they end the group stage against struggling Ecuador. La Tri are still without a win in their World Cup debut, and have allowed a boatload of goals in the tournament.
Think Japan flashes its big guns to send a message to the rest of the tournament? Read on as we break down the action to come.
Japan isn’t as explosive offensively like the rest of the Group C teams, but it makes up for the lack of offense with excellent ball possession. Nadeshiko pick their spots well, which has been evident after winning the first two matches of their title defense bid.
The Japanese controlled the ball 57 percent of the time in their most recent 2-1 victory over Cameroon. Ata Sameshima and Yuika Sugasawa each scored a goal in that crucial win. Aya Miyama scored the first of Japan’s three World Cup goals, the winner in a 1-0 victory over offensive powerhouse Switzerland.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]Homare Sawa gives Japan a very experienced and crafty midfielder who can serve as another scoring threat. She’s making her record sixth World Cup appearance. Sawa scored five goals in the 2011 World Cup, eventually earning her the Golden Ball award. She has 82 goals in 186 caps. But the 36-year old Sawa is already up there in age. Expect her to play in just limited minutes in this final game of the group stage.
While Japan fields an opportunistic offense, it also has a tricky defense that has conceded just once in the tournament so far. Nadeshiko’s one goal allowed is the best among Group C teams. They should be able to keep Ecuador, which has scored just once in the tournament thus far.
Japan is 5-0-0 in its last five World Cup matches.
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Betting on Ecuador
Ecuador is taking a beating in its World Cup debut. La Tri have been outscored 16-1, and most recently suffered a humiliating 10-1 loss to Switzerland. They controlled the ball for just 35 percent of the match. Surrendering ball possession will be a problem against the midfield-rich Japan side. Ecuador has also been outshot 27-13 in the tournament.
La Tri at least have something going for them as Angie Ponce scored their first ever World Cup goal. They could realistically be able to find the back of the net late in the game when the outcome has been all but decided.
Monica Quinteros and Ambar Torres are also capable scorers. They are the only two Ecuadorians with more than six goals in their international careers. Torres, who’s just 20 years of age, has 10 international goals under her belt. Quinteros has eight international goals in 42 caps. Expect Ecuador to come out guns blazing considering this will be their final World Cup match in the tournament.
Writer’s Prediction
Japan wins without a doubt. But expect Ecuador to cover +5.5 as Japan eases off the gas late into the match.
