The 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup final will be contested between recent rivals Japan and USA. Japan are the reigning champions having beaten the US in 2011, but the American’s sought revenge with a gold medal victory in the 2012 Olympics. Here at SLS, we check out the two sides and their story so far.
Japan
Tale of the tournament
World Cup holders Japan have won every single game in the run up to the final, topping their group with ease before grinding out results against the likes of Australia and England in the knockout stages. Yet to register more than two goals in a game, Japan are known for their solid defensive displays and will make things difficult for Team USA’s strikers. Going forward, despite not being prolific in front of goal, they do possess some skilful midfielders and are famous for having a Barcelona-like passing quality to their game – a tool they will need to utilise to its full effect in the final.
Star player
Captain Aya Miyama has been in inspired form this tournament, scoring two of Japan’s nine goals and setting up two others while constantly dictating the tempo of her side’s game from midfield. Most of Japan’s creative flair rests on Miyama’s shoulders and any impressive attacking moves normally pass through their skipper. She is also no stranger to netting against the American’s having bagged herself a goal in the final four years ago and will no doubt rise to the occasion once again.
Chances
This classy, understated Japanese side have quality across the pitch and a mastermind at the helm who, in the past 6 years, has led them to a World Cup title, an Olympic silver medal and an Asian Cup. Their passing ability and close control will make up for any physicality weaknesses they have compared to their opponents and will cause Team USA to exert copious amounts of energy chasing the ball which may prove the difference if this final goes down to the wire.
USA
Tale of the tournament
Team USA have been the slow burners of this year’s competition. A seemingly unimpressive group stages still saw them qualify in number one position, after two wins and a draw, but had the world wondering what had happened to the powerhouse of women’s football. Despite lacking the attacking flair we’re so used to seeing brush teams aside, their defensive game has only got stronger – conceding just once this entire tournament. A tricky round of 16 tie against a skilful Colombian side who had already upset France in the group stages, really saw the making of the USA team we now see line up in the final. A comfortable 2-0 victory spurred Jill Ellis’ team on to beat China in the quarterfinals before deposing of the team ranked number one in the world, Germany, in the semis.
Star player
Just like Miyama has stepped up for Japan, USA captain Carli Lloyd has had the tournament of her life for the American’s. Having picked up the Player of the Match award in all of USA’s knockout games and scoring three goals in the process, the midfielder has worked tirelessly for her side and is the real driving force of Jill Ellis’ team. Her quality all over the pitch is evident and her impressive engine allows her to put in fierce tackles at the back before sprinting forward to help her attackers. Lloyd is an incredibly tough competitor but has proven time and time again that she can have a cool and collected head on shoulders when needed, scoring an extra-time winner in the final of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in 2008 against Brazil and a 69th minute penalty against the German’s in this year’s World Cup to break the deadlock in a cagey semi final. Lloyd, like her opposing skipper, has also scored on the big occasion against her rivals, netting twice in the 2012 Olympic final.
Chances
Team USA will attempt to win the World Cup for the first time since 1999 and have an immensely strong determination and competitive streak running right through the squad. They will look to use their physicality against what is a small Japanese side and will undoubtedly be a big threat at set-pieces. With experience at the back in the form of goalkeeper Hope Solo, and up top in Abby Wambach, the American’s look set to handle the pressure which comes with a big final and if they can score early, they should see this game out in normal time.
