FIFA Womens World Cup 2011 Final: 6 Reasons Why USA Ought to be Afraid Of Japan USA and Japan

are set to meet within the final of the FIFA Womens World Cup 2011, on Sunday, July 17. While USA are the much more skilled squad, you will find a minimum of six reasons why they ought to be afraid of Japan, ahead with the large game: 1. Midfield: The likes of Boxx, O'Reilly, Lloyd, Rapinoe and Lindsey have been far much less impressive than Japans Sakaguchi, Miyama, and Sawa. USA had been rattled by Frances superior passing and possession, in their semi-finals, thanks to tremendous play-making in midfield by the likes of Necib. Contrast that with Japans efficiency against Sweden, wherein Japan enjoyed 60% possession largely owing to midfield control exercised by the likes of Sawa and Miyama. two. Ball Possession: Japan have enjoyed the bulk of possession in all of the matches they've played so far, whereas USA have enjoyed less than 50% possession in 3 of the 5 games that they've played. Sweden in the group match, Brazil in the quarter-finals and France within the semi-finals topped USA when it comes to ball possession. three. Passing Skills: Higher ball possession by itself is indicative of superior ball abilities, and also the Japanese have relied on patient, slick passing which has been their strength at this world cup. The objective from Kawasumi that helped them equalize against Sweden was an example of 1 touch football. The lead as much as Sawas lead taking objective against Sweden was like-wise an exhibition of slick passing by Ohno within the centre with the pitch to Miyama on the flank and in turn to Sawa at the goal mouth. In contrast, USA have relied on aerial football. 4. Discipline: Japan have shown themselves to be a disciplined team playing to a plan. Any much less disciplined squad would have wilted following a defensive error gave Sweden the lead within the 10th minute with the semi-finals. But the Japanese kept their collective head and fell back on a relentless passing game that paid dividend, very soon. Contrast this with Frances raggedy display following conceding the lead in the 9th minute to USA. It was a sorry tale of missed chances but for which France should have beaten their trans-Atlantic rivals, in the semifinals. USA cannot hope to be really as lucky against the disciplined Japanese. 5. Age and Fitness: Japan have a younger and faster squad. Barring 1 player above 30 years, most of their players are in the mid-twenties. Also they are lighter on their feet and consequently quicker. Comparatively, USA have an older team, with several players close to 30 years, and they may discover the Japanese just a bit too quick for their comfort. 6. Pressure of Expectation: The pressure of expectation is squarely on the Americans' shoulders. Japan continue to be regarded as the underdogs, whether by media or bookmakers. Japan are entering their first world cup final. By contrast, USA have won two globe cups, such as the inaugural event in 1991, apart from 3 Olympic gold medals. Having reached the final,

USA cannot return home empty handed simply because their fans back home wont accept anything much less than the title. Japan, however, have already covered themselves with glory, having won two successive games against champions Germany and Sweden, each of which they were expected to shed. By on one piece