Women’s World Cup: Japan-USA Preview
The 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup is now down to two teams in an unexpected rematch of the 2011 World Cup. Japan will face US Women's National Team in the final round with the former looking for a second straight title and the latter for a revenge of the last world tournament’s loss.
The two teams both came off different triumphs in their semifinal matches. Japan was arguably lucky in their win against England after Laura Basset unintentionally sinks a goal in their own net to give the Japanese the victory, while USA sailed to the finals in strong fashion after dispatching top-ranked Germany two nil behind the surprising brilliance of USWNT team captain Carli Lloyd.
The defending champs had won their past six matches in the tournament in normal time. The Japanese levelled with USA in scoring a total of nine points in the entire tournament, but had allowed three goals while the Americans only allowed a single score thanks to their superb defence anchored by goalkeeper Hope Solo.
The final round will be very interesting with both teams looking to avenge each other’s loss in the past. There is no love lost between the two finalists when it comes to winning the Women’s World Cup. Japan defeated USA in the world tournament four years ago via penalty shootout after forcing a 2-2 stalemate. The year after that, the Americans beat Japan 2-1 to win the gold medal in the 2012 London Olympics. However, the team of the land of the rising sun has won the match for the most coveted title and Jill Ellis’ squad is keen to get the crown which they have not won since 1999.
"These are two talented teams with a lot of history and rivalry, and I think it will be a classic matchup. Both teams have a lot of the same players from 2011, but that said, this is a different team on a different journey, and I know all 23 players and our staff are tremendously excited for this next challenge,” Ellis said as per Sydney Morning Herald.
Japan’s determination to defend its title will be their weapon in a football game nothing short of rivalry. Even before the match, the ferociousness was evident in Sasaki’s side. Japanese midfielder Aya Miyama said the Americans may have took the Olympic gold medal, but “we aren’t going to hand over the World Cup.” Despite the combined pressure and excitement that the match will offer, the Japanese coach was a bit nostalgic heading into the championship at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver.
"In 2011, both teams had a wonderful game in the final and for women's football in the world, I hope that we will have a wonderful game like the way we did then," Sasaki said.
In Sunday’s epic rematch, Japan will try to be the first nation to win back-to-back champions in the Women’s World Cup, while USA will battle their way to also be the first country to have three WWC titles. Whoever wins the match gets to be part of a historical moment as Japan and USA’s title hopes are feats yet to be in the history books.
