London 2012: 10 Bold Predictions for Japan vs. Canada

The defending champions of women's football, Norio Sasaki's Nadeshiko Japan, will aim for a coveted double: the FIFA Women's World Cup and a gold medal at the London 2012 Summer Olympics.

They open their bid for the double against a worthy opponent: John Herdman's Team Canada at the City of Coventry Stadium on Wednesday.

Japan finished at the top of their group in the final round of the AFC Women's Asian Qualifiers. Canada finished as runner-up at the 2012 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. BST. Here are 10 bold predictions for this intriguing contest in Coventry.

1. A Defensive Showdown: No More Than Four Goals Scored

There will be a good deal of offense from either side, but there will also be plenty of defensive stops. This match will be a tense ball possession battle between two battle-tested teams.

2. Japan Will Outrun Canada with Flying Colors

The reason Japan outlasted the United States in the FIFA Women's World Cup final wasn't because of the penalty shootout they won. It was because Japan's match fitness was superior to the USA's.

They outran the Americans and tired them out. Look for the same tactic to be implemented on Big Red on Big Wednesday.

3. Japan Strikes First...in the First 25 Minutes

As the defending FIFA Women's World Cup champions, Nadeshiko Japan is going to open this match with the likes of one Homare Sawa.

The face of Japanese women's football, Sawa has scored 80 goals in 179 appearances for Japan. She will make it 81 in the first 25 minutes of play.

4. Shinobu Ohno Also on the Scoresheet for Japan

In 101 appearances for Nadeshiko Japan, Shinobu Ohno has scored 37 times and is currently tied for second on the roster. The INAC Leonessa forward is going to get on the scoresheet.

5. Two Assists for Aya Miyama

If there is one player that knows how to provide goalscoring opportunities for Japan, it's midfielder Aya Miyama. With 112 appearances under her belt, she will look to get a brace of assists to lead Nadeshiko Japan.

6. At Least Five Saves for Ayumi Kaihori

Goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori will likely start in goal against Canada. The INAC Leonassa goalkeeper has 31 caps to her credit and is expected to hold her own against Canada's attackers.

Kaihori will make at least five saves this contest.

7. Christine Sinclair with a Brace

One of the most storied players to ever play for the Canadian women's national team, forward Christine Sinclair has scored 138 goals in 185 appearances. Leave it to the captain of Canada to keep Herdman's ladies in this game with a brace.

8. Erin McLeod with at Least Five Saves

I am tapping Dalsjofors GOiF goalkeeper Erin McLeod to get the start against Japan. Like Kaihori, she is going to face some good looks from the Nadeshiko, and she will need to also make at least five saves.

9. Under 15 Fouls and No Yellows

There will not be any cards issued in this match. Finnish referee Kirsi Heikkenen will have an easy time managing this game and will call under 15 fouls between both teams.

That's the great thing about the women's game: more strategy and tactics with less physical play.

10. This Match Ends in a Draw

There will be nothing that separates these two teams. Nothing.

Canada will go off to an early 2-1 lead thanks to Christine Sinclair, but Japan is going to rally back via Shinobu Ohno and make this match a hard-fought draw.

Japan 2, Canada 2