Women World Cup – Final – Japan aiming for the stars …and stripes
By David, BettingExpert.com | Published
Two-time champions USA were out until they snatched a late victory in the quarters against Brazil. Their obstacle on the way to the third World title is perhaps the most unlikely of opponents but the Japanese girls have been clinical and disciplined enough so far.
Japan – USA
The final hurdle for Japan was Sweden in the semifinals earlier this week. Height discrepancy was evident but the Japanese made the best out of their strong points – passing, speed and discipline. Unfortunately, they came short of the first of these characteristics as Sawa gifted the Swedish girls a ball in her own half and Oqvist did not need to be begged to finish the ball into the net for a 10th minute opener.
Sawa would later on make up for the mistake that could have given away the game with some great passing play in midfield and the second goal which would take Japan ahead after Kawasumi had scored her first goal of the match nine minutes after Oqvist’s. The latter added the third goal for Japan four minutes after that of Sawa making it an insurmountable 3-1 for the Asians.
Poor goalkeeping by Sweden’s number one Lindahl paved the way for Japan’s comeback, making their semifinal encounter somewhat easier to handle than the quarter-final match against Germany, for which extra time was required to split between the two.
Neither match was easy for Japan given the physical superiority of their adversaries in both games, and considering that Germany are the host nation enjoying great following in this edition.
The United States’ girls did not have much easier encounters either as the level of women’s football has clearly significantly increased in the past years with more and more nations investing heavily and allowing women and children to enjoy the pleasures of a real sport which can be played by everyone, unlike many other traditional sporting activities.
The Swedish manager in charge of the USA, Pia Sundhage, was already thinking about what she would be saying in the post-match press conference with regards to the team’s exit at the hands of Marta’s Brazil before a trademark powerful header in the dying seconds by striker Abby Wambach cancelled Marta’s second goal of the match at the beginning of extra time. The shell-shocked Brazilians could not match the United States from the penalty spot which set up a semifinal encounter with France.
The French were a dire test too as they are still one of the better teams when it comes to building up play. Their equalizer may not have been the USA keeper’s fault but she was still confused after conceding from way outside the box, leading her to gift the opponents a dangerous situation which they could have taken advantage of. Once the French missed their chance the tables turned on them as Wambach produced another headed goal, rising above the French goalkeeper Sapowicz.
Height will again be against the Japanese girls, and this weakness has been especially evident in goalkeeper Kaihori’s displays so far. She has conceded more than once not because of faulty positioning but simply because, despite her technically good jumps, she does not make it to the ball. This can be fertile terrain for a player like Abby Wambach, considered one of the best strikers in terms of aerial ability.
The counterpart of Kaihori is Hope Solo, regarded as the best keeper in women’s football. Japan will need to make good use of their discipline on the pitch with the United States being perhaps technically better with the ball in their feet. Both teams produce good runs and although the American girls are favourites to lift a third trophy in the history of Women’s World Cup it may be a close encounter. Should the USA focus on their aerial ability and keep a close eye on Japanese runs from midfield they ought to steer this game their way but it is dangerous to write off Japan before kick-off.
Verdict: Over 2.50
Usually we would expect low scoring finals but from what has been shown so far in this World Cup women tend to go for the kill much more than men. Even scores have been shifting towards the entertaining side, placing one of the cradles of men’s football, the Copa America in South America, into bad light when it comes to enjoyable displays.
14.07.2011, 23:25 CET
2.15 on USA (nordic bet) and Japan @ 3.85 (Centre bet).....
Japan have had a terrible time of it at home this year with disaster after disaster, I think it would be brilliant for the people and the country as a whole to bring a world cup home. USA will probably take this but they have lost against Sweden and only came back in the dying minutes against Brazil and Japan have proved they play stylish attacking football. My ten Euros are on Japan....
Brilliant preview David...
15.07.2011, 00:44 CET
Thanks guys. Japan will surely prove to be hard to defeat but I have to go with the USA's experience and physical prowess.
I think in-form Abby Wambach can prove a real headache for the Japanese defence. Her heading is very much like that of a man on the pitch.
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14.07.2011, 23:13 CET
Good call David, personally i'm gonna have to go with the Americans as they are more stronger and stamina will be up there. The Japenese will need to find a way through the stone call wall, but still, this is football at the end of the day. Team USA to do it, but anyone know some good odds?