ATLANTA, July 5, 2015 (MaraviPost): Japan’s World Cup victory four years ago came as a big surprise to the USA who play a very aggressive style and depends more on physical prowess than skill.
Sunday’s final will mark the third major tournament in a row in which the United States and Japan have met in the final. In the 2011 Women’s World Cup final, the Nadeshiko twice rallied from a goal down to prevail 3-1 in a penalty shootout. A year later, the two sides contested the 2012 Olympic final with the Americans claiming gold with a 2-1 victory thanks to two Carli Lloyd goals.
The United States women’s team is physically fit and they proved it by harassing world number 1 ranked Germany in the semi-finals. They out hustled and out-tackled a Germany team that was favored to win the tournament by the odds makers.
Japan became the first Asian team to win the World Cup when they defeated the U.S on penalties in the final having dispatched traditional European powers Germany and Sweden.
“I think 2011, it was a watershed moment with Japan winning,” said Ellis the USA coach ahead of the 2015 final between the two sides at BC Place in Canada.
“I think the quarter-final win over Germany, it made everybody in the world realize that having the ball has a big part to do with being successful.
“It doesn’t matter how big or strong you are, the technique part is a massive part of the game.”
The USA team beat Japan for the gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, even in that match, japan won on style points. The Japanese style of playing implemented by Japan coach Norio Sasaki reminds many of world favorite Brazil men soccer team.
So today it will be sheer will of the USA team versus skill and ball possession talent of the Japanese ladies.
As anticipation rises, many sports commentators in the USA are very confident of a win, however those that like flamboyant and stylish play favor the Japanese ladies.
Buckle up and enjoy the game.
