Japan vs. England: Odds, Prediction for 2015 World Cup Semifinal Match

One team was expected to be here. One team has shocked the world. On Wednesday, they'll meet in the Women's World Cup semifinal, with a place in the final against the United States at stake.

Japan is the favorite, while England is the upstart. But both teams have been excellent to this point, and they are sure to put on an entertaining, tense match. Let's break it down.

Match Details

When: Wednesday, July 1 at 7 p.m. ET

Watch: Fox Sports 1

Odds: Japan (6-5) to advance and England (3-1) to advance, according to OddsChecker.com.

Analysis

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

It's no secret how the Japanese win: They dominate possession, limit opponents' opportunities to score and create a moment of magic or two.

In this tournament, they've allowed just two goals. Among the teams to reach the semifinals, only the United States (one goal conceded) has been better in that regard. 

Just how dominant have they been? Not only have they won every game, according to Dan Lauletta of ProSoccerTalk, but "they have yet to trail in any match during this year’s World Cup and in fact have not allowed a goal before the 90th minute of any match."

The Japanese can hit from any position, too, as seven different players have scored their seven goals. But they are paced by dynamic attacking midfielder Aya Miyama, who will be the best player on the pitch Wednesday night and the proverbial straw that stirs Japan's drink.

England is justifiably the underdog. Manager Mark Sampson has remained optimistic, however, via BBC Sport:

"

This tournament has transpired in a way that gives us huge belief that whatever happens against Japan, this team will find a way to get themselves through to the final. This England team will be the last team to leave Canada.

We know the task ahead is huge, but we really feel that something is happening that gives us that sense of belief, that higher purpose, that we will find a way to be the last team to go home.

"

Indeed, the English can take solace in the fact that they've seen excellent performances from Lucy Bronze and the defense and have shown malleability in their strategy to this point. The English aren't so fixed in a system that they can't adjust to Japan's strengths and take them away.

Plus, former England international and current Fox Sports analyst Kelly Smith thinks one area of the game in particular could favor the English:

Both teams have scored just one goal from a set piece in this tournament, but if the English are to win this game, they'll almost surely need to strike from a corner. For the English, the game plan will be simple: challenge Japan's possession at key parts of the pitch by taking away passing lanes, attack quickly on the counter and take advantage of their size on set pieces. 

If they can make the most of their chances, they certainly have the ability to pull off the upset.

Prediction

Japan is better on paper. Japan is the defending champion. Japan has the experience on this stage. Japan also has more pressure, as it'll be expected to win.

England's size advantage could play a part, but in the end, it's hard to bet against the more talented, experienced side. Japan will knock off the English, 2-1, and set up a rematch in the final against the United States.