London 2012: 10 Bold Predictions for Japan vs. South Africa

Norio Sasaki's Nadeshiko Japan were unfortunate to settle for a scoreless draw with Sweden, but they come into the July 31 match against South Africa as overwhelming favorites to go through to the knockout stages, perhaps with the Swedes, who are even on points with four.

Just how one-sided will this mismatch be at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff? Here are 10 bold predictions that will tell the story on Tuesday. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. BST (9:30 p.m. EDT Monday, July 30).

1. More Than Four Goals Will Be Scored

This is going to be a one-sided match, with more than four goals scored. Japan have plenty of firepower at their disposal, and will provide a majority of the production at this contest.

2. South Africa Will Score in This Contest

It will be a consolation goal of sorts for Banyana Banyana on Tuesday. Look for Portia Modise to deliver late in the second half for South Africa at this match.

3. Japan Will Score First...after 20 Minutes

After a tense ball possession battle that will take the space of 20 minutes, Nadeshiko Japan will strike first through Nahomi Kawasumi, who scored the first goal for Japan at this tournament.

4. Homare Sawa with Two Assists

To emphatically win games at the Olympics, you need a field general that is the best in the world. Homare Sawa is the epitome of a field general. Her decision-making and directing of the Japanese attack will be crucial to Japan potentially running up the score on South Africa.

5. Aya Miyama on the Score Sheet

Midfielder Aya Miyama will get on the score sheet, just like she did against Canada last week in Coventry. Not only is Miyama a competent provider, but also she can score when she gets space to work. When Miyama generates space to work, it's pretty much game over if you're Banyana Banyana netminder Roxanne Barker.

And speaking of Barker...

6. Roxanne Barker Faces the Blue Firing Squad

South Africa goalkeeper Roxanne Barker is not blessed with the best back line in this tournament, and the Japanese attack can smell some blood in the water. Barker will have to make at least five saves to keep Banyana Banyana in this contest, but it may not be enough.

7. A Penalty Will Be Called

No penalties have been called in Group F play as of yet, but that is likely to change on Tuesday, as teams get desperate to remain in the running for a spot in the knockout rounds. It will be South Africa that concede a penalty for Japan to convert.

8. Under 20 Fouls and Three Yellows

This will be a match of speed and tactics, rather than brute force and physical play. So at the Milennium Stadium, there will be under 20 fouls and three yellow cards issued at this match.

9. A Red Card Will Be Called

However, South Africa will be so desperate to remain in the hunt that they start to foul late in the second half. Someone on Banyana Banyana will be sent off, and that's the straw that breaks the camel's back right there.

10. Japan Rout South Africa with Authority

Up a player, up by three goals. Norio Sasaki's Nadeshiko Japan take advantage of a complete mismatch at these Olympic Games and coast to the knockout rounds of the women's football tournament.

Japan 4, South Africa 1