4 Key Battles Set to Decide the Women's World Cup Semi-Finals
After four intriguing quarter-final matchups, we are down to the last four of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada, comprising holders Japan, the teams ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the world, Germany and the United States respectively, and England.
The United States beat China 1-0 and will face France's conquerors, Germany, in Montreal for a place in the final.
In Edmonton, reigning world champions Japan take on England, who beat hosts Canada to reach their first World Cup semi-final.
It is going to be an exciting few days. Here are four battles that will be crucial to deciding the teams that will contest Sunday's final.
USA vs. Germany
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Julie Johnston vs. Celia Sasic
It's the irresistible force against the immovableย object in Montreal on Tuesday. Celia Sasic, the tournament's top scorer with six goals, will come up against centre-back Julie Johnston, the standout performer on a back line that hasn't conceded a goal since the opening game against Australia.
Johnston has been a rock for Jill Ellis' team. Either in the air or covering in behind, nothing has seemed to trouble her at this tournament.
However, the threat and power of the Frankfurt striker will be the biggest test the 23-year-old defender has faced so far. If the Chicago Red Stars defender can win that battle, her team's chances of reaching the final will greatly improve.
USA vs. Germany
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Jill Ellis vs. Tabea Kemme
For any coach watching the quarter-final between Germany and France, it was clear to see the problems Elodie Thomis caused Germany left-back Tabea Kemme.
Most of France's joy came down that side, and it is a weakness that has showed itself throughout the tournament.
The job for the U.S. coach is to find a way to capitaliseย and exploit this weakness.
Tobin Heath has flattered to deceive when she has started thus far, and the returning Megan Rapinoe has played better on the left. It may be an opportunity to use the pace of someone such as Sydney Leroux or push Amy Rodriguez out wide to give Germany coach Silvia Neid a headache.
France created two huge chances after getting in behind Kemme. Ellisย doesn't usually set her team up to play with a lot of width, but the space is there to use to their advantage.
Japan vs. England
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Japan vs. English set pieces
Japan will have an advantage over in England in most areas when they meet in Edmonton on Wednesday, but at set pieces, Mark Sampson's team hold the edge.
Sampson has thrown down a clear marker by indicating Japan will be in for a real fight in Edmonton, telling reporters:
"We are in a good place physically and the physical side is going to be really important.
We are going to need to be very confrontational, very positive in our play.
We are going to really front up to this Japanese team and make their life as difficult as we can.
"
England are bigger and more powerful across the board, and as they showed throughย Steph Houghton against Norway and Lucy Bronze against Canada, they will look to capitalise from dead-ball situations.
Norio Sasaki will have his team well-drilled and ready for the aerial assault, but it'll only take one moment and one mismatch to see England gain an advantage in the air.
Set pieces, and how Japan defends against them, will help decide who reaches the final.
Japan vs. England
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Aya Miyama vs. Jade Moore
Although she didn't start in the opening game against France, Jade Moore has become an integral part of England's midfield at this World Cup.
The Birmingham City midfielder works tirelessly in the centre of the park, winning the ball back for her team and making sure the opposition donโt enjoy too much time in possession.
Against the skill, vision and poise of Japan's Aya Miyama, Moore will have to raise her game to another level on Wednesday. The Japan playmaker will float and look for gaps to exploit. If Moore can stick to her, it could limit Japan's creativity. But give Miyama too much space, and she will likely punish England on what is set to be a warm day in Edmonton.
