Japan Step Up a Gear and Remain a Huge Threat to Win the Women's World Cup

On Tuesday evening Norio Sasaki’s Japan became the last team to book their place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-finals. Their performances in the group stage may have raised some questions about their position as one of the favourites, but the Nadeshiko’s 2-1 win over the Netherlands in Vancouver, Canada, reminded everyone how they became champions in 2011.

The holders will now take on Australia in Edmonton, Canada, on Saturday, and the Matildas, England and Canada stand between the Asian side reaching the July 5 final back in Vancouver. Only Germany have ever won back-to-back Women’s World Cups, and after Japan turned it up a notch, it will take a very good performance to stop them this year.

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More tremendous team buildup by #Jpn, just 15-20 pass of textbook, complex team connecting. Sakaguchi at the heart of it #FIFAWWC

— Andrew Jerell Jones (@sluggahjells) June 24, 2015"

In the opening game, Switzerland used their physical strength and direct running style to cause the Japanese team problems. A questionable penalty decision in the 29th minute helped the holders take the lead, but led by the constant threat of Ramona Bachmann, an equaliser always looked more likely than a second goal.

Japan’s well-organised defence held firm and they would start their campaign with a crucial 1-0 win. You hoped there was more to come.

The increased physical threat of Cameroon caused countless problems to Sasaki’s team when they played their second game in Vancouver. However, two quick goals in the opening 17 minutes gave the inexperienced African side a huge mountain to climb. Again, Japan put on the breaks once they had the lead. Cameroon left it late, but the last touch of the ball from Gaelle Enganamouit flashed inches past the far post and could have easily levelled the score at 2-2.

With their place in the last 16 already secured, you can excuse Sasaki’s decision to rest players against Ecuador. The South Americans conceded 16 goals in their opening two games, so they were not expected to cause much of a problem, but the Nadeshiko barely got out of first gear to record a 1-0 win.

Rich Lam/Getty Images

Uninspiring performances in the group stage raised questions about their ability to regain their world title, but they were all but washed away after 10 minutes against the Netherlands. Japan came out of the blocks quickly and confidently took the lead.

Aya Miyama’s cross was headed onto the bar by Yuki Ogimi, and as the Dutch tried to clear, Saori Ariyoshi was on hand at the edge of the box to fire a low shot into the bottom corner. It was the perfect start from the Asian side.

Their European opponents were at a loss on how to cope with the Japanese. Sasaki’s side are so well-organised—they move as a team, and at no point is there a huge gap between the defence, midfield or attack. Their fluid style pushes them back and forward as one. Never are they caught short while defending or in attack.

Unlike some other teams, they never look panicked on the ball. Very rarely do they launch a high ball up the pitch; it is always very patient. Their movement creates time and space on the ball, and there is always someone free and eager to take on possession.

Just when you think they have nowhere to go, a quick flurry of passes sees them open up the defence and they are in on goal. That was exemplified by their second goal, one of the best team goals you will see at this tournament.

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Team goal of the tournament from #JPN? #FIFAWWC http://t.co/NEuwL1NTG9 (via @itsmeglinehan)

— The Women's Game (@TheWomensGame) June 24, 2015"

Played down into the left channel, Miyama looked up and played the ball back to substitute Mana Iwabuchi on the edge of the box. The Bayern Munich striker played a neat dummy, and Mizuho Sakaguchi was there to curl the ball into the top corner.

The Netherlands had their opportunities last night, and they could have equalised or even taken the lead early on, but this just highlights the nature of this Japan side. They know how and when to strike with devastating effect.

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What. A. Goal. Epitome of #JPN play. Team work, technique, composure and a quality finish 2nil #jpn #ned

— Sarah Mulkerrins (@SarahMulkerrins) June 24, 2015"

Just before their second goal, Ayumi Kaihori pulled out an instinctive save to deny the Dutch, then they cleared the follow-up shot with the goalkeeper out of position. Moments later they had pushed up the pitch and delivered the dagger blow. At the moment you think you have a foothold in the game, Japan up the tempo and strike you down.

One scary notion from watching the four games at this tournament is that you get the sense that there is more to come. Japan have perhaps only reached third gear so far in Canada, and with two games to go until the final, you could see them raising their game again.

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Matildas are like Netherlands, except they’re clinical and they punch you in the mouth. They can give Japan a game.

— Kevin McCauley (@kevinmccauley) June 24, 2015"

Australia have the tools to give them a great game and if luck is on their side, they could cause an upset, but after Tuesday’s performance, it would take a brave person to go against the Nadeshiko.