Women's World Cup 2015: Pivotal Factors to Decide Group C
In this summer's FIFA Women's World Cup, Group C will likely be all about Japan.
Japan is the clear favorite as the defending champion, but what of the three challengers, none of whom have ever qualified for the World Cup before?
Switzerland reached the final tournament by winning UEFA Group 3 comfortably. Cameroon finished as runner-up at last year's African Women's Championship. Ecuador claimed their spot by beating Trinidad and Tobago in the CONMEBOL-CONCACAF playoff.
Can any of the three seriously challenge Japan in group play? Keep reading for our pivotal factors for Women's World Cup Group C.
Group C at a Glance
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Here is a look at the match schedule for Group C.
All times listed are EDT. Match sites are in parentheses.
June 8
Cameroon vs. Ecuador, 7 p.m. (BC Place, Vancouver)
Japan vs. Switzerland, 10 p.m. (BC Place, Vancouver)
June 12
Switzerland vs. Ecuador, 7 p.m. (BC Place, Vancouver)
Japan vs. Cameroon, 10 p.m. (BC Place, Vancouver)
June 16
Ecuador vs. Japan, 5 p.m. (Investors Group Field, Winnipeg)
Switzerland vs. Cameroon, 5 p.m. (Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton)
Here is a glance at the four teams in Group C:
Team: Japan
Qualified as: AFC Women's Asian Cup winner
Previous World Cups: 6
Best finish: Champion in 2011
FIFA rank: 4
Average age: 28
Team: Switzerland
Qualified as: UEFA Group 3 winner
Previous World Cups: None
Best finish: N/A
FIFA rank: 19
Average age: 25
Team: Cameroon
Qualified as: Runner-up at African Women's Championship
Previous World Cups: None
Best finish: N/A
FIFA rank: 53
Average age: 24
Team: Ecuador
Qualified as: CONMEBOL-CONCACAF playoff winner
Previous World Cups: None
Best finish: N/A
FIFA rank: 48
Average age: 23
Can Homare Sawa Do It Again?
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To answer the question at the end of the opening slide, it's almost surely a "no." Anything can happen, of course, but Japan is the overwhelming favorite in this group, with Switzerland likely a distant second.
So what of Japan's chances?
Attacking midfielder Homare Sawa was the star of the 2011 World Cup, finishing with five goals to be named the tournament's top scorer. She also took home the Golden Ball as the Cup's best player overall.
Sawa's all-around play was a vital factor in Japan's march to the title four years ago, but she's 36 now. Can she replicate her form this summer in Canada? The answer to that question could go a long way to determining how well Japan performs.
Can Japan Deal with the Pressure as the Defending Champion?
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Japan was a worthy champion four years ago, but the team's triumph was also somewhat unexpected. Before that World Cup, the Japanese had only qualified for the knockout stage once before.
This time, they'll enter as one of the favorites, and that will mean an extra bit of pressure. Teams will be eager to knock off the defending champions, so Japan will play with the proverbial target on their backs.
Can they handle it? In the group stage, where Japan will face three tournament newcomers, that might not be much of an issue. But in the knockout stages, it could become a factor.
Can Japan Be Physical Enough?
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Japan's style four years ago revolved around short, quick passing, technical skill and teamwork. That will be the plan again in Canada, but one issue remains: physicality.
In the last World Cup, Japan did just enough to see off the more physical opponents it faced, mostly with impressive commitment throughout the pitch. But as noted before, Japan will be a target this time, and teams might try to take a physical approach in order to throw off the team's short passing game.
As noted by Jeff Carlisle for ESPNW, striker Yuki Ogimi played with an extra edge in both the 2011 World Cup and 2012 Olympics. Japan will need a repeat performance from her, as well as from the rest of the team in order to match physically minded opponents.
Can Anyone Challenge the Champs?
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Of the three first-time qualifiers hoping to challenge Japan in Group C, Switzerland seems to have the most impressive resume.
The Swiss dominated UEFA Group 3 in qualifying, finishing with nine wins and one draw in 10 matches, and outscoring opponents 53-1. The question, however, is whether the level of competition was high enough to prepare Switzerland for a match against a top side like Japan.
Cameroon finished second in its continental championship last year, and coach Enow Ngachu's team is built to defend. Les Lionnes could be tough to break down, but on the flip side, scoring might be an issue. Players to watch include goalkeeper Annette Ngo Ndom and forward Gaelle Enganamouit, who tallied three of her side's five goals (in five games) during last year's African Women's Championship.
Finally, Ecuador qualified by beating Trinidad and Tobago in a two-legged playoff between CONMEBOL and CONCACAF. The team reached that point by finishing third on home soil in the Copa America Femenina. Ecuador scored only seven goals in seven games in that tournament, but 26-year-old coach Vanessa Arauz could bring a measure of youthful excitement to the World Cup.
According to Monica Gonzalez for ESPNW, Ecuador's players tend to tire around the 35th minute of each half. Such fitness concerns make it unlikely that Ecuador will pose a threat to Japan.
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