The Women’s World Cup has entered the quarter finals stage and the Matildas face current trophy holders Japan in what is sure to be an epic encounter in Edmonton. In what will be a rematch of the 2014 Women’s Asian Cup final, which Japan won, a semi-final clash against England or Canada is up for grabs for the winner of this game.
Australia advanced to the final eight after a 1-0 win over Brazil. Kyah Simon’s third goal of the tournament was the product of a beautiful pass from Katrina Gorry out to Lisa De Vanna, whose shot was not cleanly dealt with by Brazilian goalkeeper Luciana, allowing Simon to pounce in the six yard box. After a win, a draw and a loss in the group stage, the Matildas’ historic win in the round of 16 proved this group of players can match it with the best in the world.
Japan have had an almost flawless tournament to date, winning all four of their matches so far. They booked their place in the quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over the Netherlands. Saori Ariyoshi put Japan ahead in the tenth minute, after Yuki Ogimi’s header deflected off the cross bar and the Dutch defence failed to clear the ball. Japan doubled their advantage with one of the best constructed team goals in the 78th minute, with Mizuho Sakaguchi finding the back of the net. The Netherlands were able to score a consolation goal after a bizarre goalkeeping error from Ayumi Kaihori.
Key battle – Aya Miyama v Caitlin Foord
Twenty-year-old right-back Caitlin Foord will again have a huge task in shutting down one of Japan’s best attackers in Aya Miyama. Foord has been one of a number of key players for the Matildas and has been phenomenal both in her defensive duties and in attack, utilising her pace to terrorise opposition defenders. Captain Miyama is an influential part of Japan’s forward set up and has proven to be a force both down the left hand flank and in the centre of midfield. Elise Kellond-Knight will also have a huge role to play in keeping Miyama out of the game as much as possible.
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Team news
After four matches both sides have full squads at their disposal. Both teams will want to ensure their line-ups are fresh and rested in preparation for what is sure to be a classic battle.
Australia expected XI: Williams; Catley, Foord, Kennedy, Alleway; Gorry, Van Egmond, Kellond-Knight; Simon, De Vanna, Kerr
Japan expected XI: Kaihori; Kumagai, Iwashimizu, Sameshima, Ariyoshi; Miyama, Utsugi, Sakaguchi, Kawasumi; Ogimi, Ohno
Previous meeting
These sides have never met at the world cup. However, they have played many times, especially at the Women’s Asian Cup. Their last meeting was in that tournament’s final, which Japan won 1-0.
Japan have won four of these sides’ past five encounters, with Australia last beating the Japanese in 2010.
Prediction
These teams’ run in to the quarter-finals could not have been more different. Four high intensity battles have pushed the Matildas while Japan have rarely gotten out of first gear. Since Australia’s move to the Asian Confederation, these two sides have had plenty of great battles and this match is sure to be much of the same. The technical proficiency of the Japanese with their slick passing and seamless build up play will be difficult for the Australian defence to stop. On a similar note, the speed of the Matildas wide players will be a constant worry for Japan’s full backs in particular.
Australia have had two more days to rest and recover after their round of 16 encounter; whether this will be advantageous or not is yet to be determined. This match will be tight, with extra time and even penalties a real possibility. The teams know each other well thus making each coach’s tactics important. There won’t be a lot of goals but it will be a fantastic match.
Australia 1 Japan 0 (a.e.t)
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