Preview - Group D: Japan v England
Nice: Japan’s place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 knockout stage may already be secured, but Asako Takakura insists her side won’t be taking their foot off the accelerator in their final group stage match against England on Wednesday.
With both sides already safely through to the Round of 16, the clash at Stade de Nice has less riding on it than many of the other group stage finales in France, but the title of group winners, and with it a lower-ranked knockout stage opponent, remains a compelling prize.
Of added importance is Japan’s ongoing desire to improve. The 2015 runners-up bounced back from a dour 0-0 draw with Argentina to produce a much brighter display in their follow-up 2-1 win over Scotland and match to match improvement, Takakura believes, is important in tournament football.
“In terms of survival through the group stage; yes, that’s in the bag,” the six-time AFC Women’s Coach of the Year told reporters.
“We achieved it and we’re happy with that, but our goal is (to go) further. The performance of the squad is improving and that’s very important to see from match to match.
‘We are determined to give a good performance individually and as a squad.”
While Japan lie second in the group standings on four points, England have earned a perfect six after registering narrow wins over Scotland and Argentina.
The Nadeshiko knocked the Lionesses out of the 2015 World Cup in Canada at the semi-final stage, but Phil Neville’s side picked up a one-sided victory over Japan just three months out from this competition, scoring three goals in the opening half-hour at the US-hosted SheBelieves Cup – a tournament won by England.
Takakura said Japan’s line-up was largely experimental on that occasion and that her side carried no mental scars from the result.
“Yes, we were defeated 3-0 back in March,” she recalled. “But during that match we managed to try all the things we wanted to test from ourselves, so we don’t have a negative impression from that defeat.
“Now we’re in a wonderful tournament and we’re about to play a wonderful team, and we’re really looking forward to it.”
England, ranked sixth at the 2015 World Cup, have risen to third in the world under Neville, with their domestic FA Women’s Super League becoming fully professional ahead of the 2018/19 season.
Takakura has noted the improvements, on and off field, of the European game, but believes her side remains capable of competing with the cream of what is an increasingly well-organised crop.
”I’ve been watching and checking all the improvements in individual players and in resources in Europe,” she said.
“Taking that into account, I have observed the improvement of players in England and I really hope the Japanese players can have that type of environment, but we also have a good league in the Nadeshiko League and we’ve been putting everything we have on the pitch during each match we play.”
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Neville may have seen his side make a perfect start to life in France, but he remains full of admiration for a Japanese side which clicked into gear when Yuika Sugasawa and Mana Iwabuchi combined up front against the Scots.
The former Manchester United player identified the duo’s partnership as one the many strengths of Takakura’s side.
“Their system is one of their biggest strengths,” he said “The way that they all know how to play in their system. They’re all really disciplined.
"They’ve got some fantastic movement down the right and down the left, and they’ve got two really good centre-forwards who are really mobile, so, we’re going to have to be at our best to get any kind of result,” said Neville.
Japan and England are representing different sides of the footballing world at this tournament, but such is the global nature of the game, Wednesday’s clash will also serve as a reunion for Olympique Lyonnais teammates Saki Kumagai and Lucy Bronze.
England star Bronze is among Kumagai’s biggest fans, but she said her fondness for the captain will be put on hold for 90 minutes.
“I’m really good friends with Saki. I think she’s one of my closest friends at Lyon and I think she’s probably one of the best players in the world. A real class act on and off the pitch,” said the 27-year-old.
“Obviously, I’m excited to see her, but as soon as the whistle blows, we’re no longer teammates. it’s Japan versus England, and I’m sure she’ll feel the same.”
Japan v England
FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 Group D
Stade de Nice, Nice
Kick-off: 21.00 (local time)
Photos: AFP
Source: the-afc.com
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