Following on from an inspired 4-0 victory over trophy hopefuls Spain, Futoshi Ikeda’s Japan side reverted to their fundamental principles of possession football as they saw off a resilient but error prone Norway.
The physicality and defensive rigidity that is synonymous with Scandinavian sides was all present and correct, but Japan were able to capitalise on the chances that came their way to book themselves a ticket to the quarter finals.
Fortune favored the Nadeshiko at the 15-minute mark when a Hinata Miyazawa cross was deflected by Ingrid Engen into the Norway goal with the keeper already headed in the opposite direction. Calamitous as the goal scene may appear, Japan had controlled the game until that point and the 1-0 lead was not against the run of play.
Japan remained comfortable in possession but were at a clear disadvantage for height and physicality. As a countermeasure, the Nadeshiko played the ball on the ground as much as possible and predominantly went short with corners and free kicks.
This was suitably exemplified moments later when the scores were levelled. Vilde Risa tore away into space on the right flank before sending in a cross which Guro Reiten met with a well-placed header to the keepers right.
The Chelsea forward was left unmarked in the area with neither Hana Takahashi or Fuka Nagano able to do much to save the situation. The quality on the header left keeper Ayaka Yamashita with little chance and the ball nestled comfortably in the corner.
Having conceded for the first time in the tournament, questions would now come of Japan’s collective mentality and how they might react to things not going entirely going their way. The remainder of the half played out in typical fashion with Japan dominating possession and Norway content in settling into a watertight low block. Only half chances were mustered before heading into the break with the teams on level pegging.
Early in the second half lady luck smiled on Japan once again as Vilde Risa opted to play a short pass when under pressure in the Norway penalty area. Risa Shimizu was quick to intercept the loose ball and fired past Aurora Mikalsen to restore the lead. The Scandinavians were holding defensive shape fairly well until this point but were ultimately let down by critical individual errors.
With the game wearing on, Hege Riise’s side were now forced into a proactive approach as their exit from the tournament loomed large. Japan did well to withstand what the Norwegians had to offer and were able to play their way out of the high press their opponents had now reverted to.
The game was put beyond doubt at the 81-minute mark as Aoba Fujino’s through ball spliced the Norway defense and found Miyazawa who bore down on goal and calmy slotted past Mikalsen to make 3-1.
The closing stages of the game could have been less comfortable for the 2011 champions if not for an impressive save from Yamashita. The INAC Kobe keeper made exceptional one-handed save from short range to deny Karina Saevik.
The whistle went with Japan rejoicing in their advancement to the quarter finals. There is no question that fortune played its part in ensuring the victory, but many would argue that team’s who play positively create their own luck. Indeed, this is one important benefit when playing high up the pitch.
Moral is surely high in the Japan camp after such an impressive to start to the campaign. Momentum is clearly with this side that has scored 14 goals and conceded just one thus far. Despite this, it can be said that they are yet to be genuinely challenged by a team that is able to defend competently for 90 minutes.
The beautiful football they are producing should, of course, be enjoyed by all. However, an element of caution should be considered as we head into the business end of the tournament.
WHAT WE LEARNED
Hinata Miyazawa is the unlikely heroine: “Who scores the goals?” has been a long-standing question of the Japanese national team. Yuika Sugasawa, Mina Tanaka and Riko Ueki have all competed for the starting No.9 role with all three often struggling with composure. Ikeda’s decision to play the central striker in a deeper, chance creating role has enabled the wide forwards to move into more promising positions. Miyazawa has taken to this alteration exceptionally well and has hit a vein of fine form as the Nadeshiko’s prime outlet.
Maika Hamano is ready to make an appearance: Late on in the game Ikeda seemed ready to give the Chelsea forward her first taste of World Cup football. However, the tide of the game seemed to change his made and the youngster was apologetically sent back to the bench. This indicates that the shoulder injury picked up in training is no longer an issue and this dynamic attacker is fit and ready for action.
WHAT THEY SAID
Futoshi Ikeda (Coach)
“In the first half we struggled going forward so we changed things up at the break. I was glad to retake the lead that eventually secured the win.
“Their midfielders were playing deep so I thought we could risk playing a little higher up the pitch. We also spoke about using the wide areas more too.”
Hinata Miyazawa
“I am delighted to have come this far but it is also thanks to the team that I’ve been able to score the goals. I want to go and score many more but ultimately I just want to play my part and help the team.”
WHAT COMES NEXT
Japan are now through to the quarter finals for the fourth time in their history, and have already bettered their performance from France in 2019. They will now face either the USA or Sweden in the quarter finals on Friday 11 August at Eden Park, Auckland.
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