What We Learned – The Matildas 0 Japan 1

What We Learned – The Matildas 0 Japan 1 [VIDEO]

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Current World Cup holders Japan have progressed through to the semi-finals of the 2015 Women’s World Cup, defeating Australia 1-0 in Edmonton.

In warm conditions, the Nadeshiko completely dominated the first-half, particularly in possession, but only had one shot on target to show for it. Australia’s defence stood up to the pressure applied by Japan, barring a few nervous moments.

The second-half saw a more even contest, with the heat slowing down the pace of the game. While Australia was able to hold onto the ball better, Japan’s defence was impenetrable and the Matildas struggled to create many meaningful chances, resorting to tame shots from outside the box.

Ultimately, Japan’s unrelenting pressure paid-off with substitute Mana Iwabuchi scoring the lone goal of the match. A corner kick was only cleared to the top of the box were player of the match Rumi Utsugi drove the ball back towards the goal. Although Lydia Williams was able to smother Azusa Iwashimizu’s initial shot, there were too many bodies in the six yard box and Australia was unable to clear it, which allowed Iwabuchi to tap in from close range.

Japan’s win sets up a semi-final clash with England and keeps their hopes of back-to-back world cups on track.

Japan’s are the world champions for a reason

From a neutral perspective, Japan are absolutely delightful to watch. While they were not nearly as slick and clinical as they were in their round of 16 game against the Netherlands, Japan’s technical ability, beautiful passing and fantastic movement both on and off the ball were all on display. The Japanese were always going to be a tough opponent to break down and an even tougher opponent to contain.

Their discipline in defence ensured that any counter-attacks made by the Matildas were quickly shut down. The number of players they were able to get behind the ball made it nearly impossible for the Matildas to retain possession in their attacking half and advance towards goal.

Moreover, Japan’s forward movements were instinctive, seamless and technically stunning. Their attacks were fluid and each player seemed to know where the others were, allowing space to be found and the right pass to be played.

Fatigued Matildas

Despite having two extra days of rest between their round of 16 clash and the quarter final, the Australians looked tired in the second-half of this match. Three intense battles in the group stage as well as the round of 16 match against Brazil appeared to take their toll on the Matildas.

The praise the Australians received for their defence in the matches prior to the quarter-final was well deserved and the dogged pressing of opposition’s defences, as well as the tracking runs of Australia’s wide attackers, made them a difficult team to break down.

A combination of factors, including the warm conditions and, above all, a very talented and determined Japanese team made this level of defence unachievable for the entirety of this match.

While it is no excuse, fatigue definitely contributed to the Matildas not being able to play to the standard which they had displayed earlier on in the tournament, which would have seen them able to compete more with the current world cup holders.

Australia’s threats were contained

The Matildas’ pace and their wide attacking players were highlighted as areas which could be used to expose the Japanese defence and provide Australia with their best opportunities on goal. Katrina Gorry, Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord possess incredible speed but it was rarely seen in this quarter-final match, with the Japanese defence getting plenty of bodies around the ball and restricting space in the midfield and the wings.

The Matildas’ full backs, Foord and Steph Catley, have been a vital part of the Australian attack, getting forward regularly and flooding the space on the flanks, terrorising opposition defences. Both of these players were kept incredibly quiet by the Japanese; a credit to their scouting and their defenders.

Back-to-back

Japan have had a flawless tournament. They have consistently exhibited why they are the current world champions and have looked increasingly unstoppable as the tournament has progressed. Of the final four teams, Germany – the number one ranked team in the world – appears to be Japan’s biggest competitor, with the USA rarely looking like the powerhouse team fans know they can be and England the outsiders of this final four.

The Nadeshiko are playing the kind of football befitting of champions and have a really great opportunity to retain their status as World Cup winners.

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