Defending champion Japan is set to face world no. 6 England in the semifinals of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup at the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton on Wednesday, July 1.
The Nadeshiko, ranked no. 4 in the world, defeated Australia, 1-0, to be the only team left in the tournament that won all of its games so far. Norio Sasaki's girls will try to continue their winning ways against the tough team of Mark Sampson, who beat Canada in their quarterfinal meeting, 2-1.
The Three Lionesses surprised the hosts with quick goals from forward Jodie Taylor and defender Lucy Bronze right at the 11th and 14th-minute marks respectively, as per BBC Sport. Canada was able to recover with team captain Christine Sinclair putting them on the board late in the first half, but the score remained until full time to eliminate the home team from contention.
Meanwhile, Japan used some late game heroics from substitute forward Mana Iwabuchi to steal the game from the Matildas at the 87th minute. The Australians' Round-of-16 game against favorite Brazil may have taken a lot from Alen Stajcic's girls as they have not executed well against the Japanese, according to The Guardian.
A lot World Cup analysts are looking at Japan as the team to beat right now. With their defense getting stronger and stronger as the tournament progresses, it is expected that this match with England will be another defensive-minded contest. If England allows Japan to control the ball, then they may head home after Wednesday.
The predicted result is a 1-0 Japan victory over England. If the Lionesses can hold on, they may be going into a shootout for the right to play either Germany or the USA in the final.
Japan starting lineup (4-2-2-2 formation): Kaihori; Kawamura, Ariyoshi, Sameshima, Kitahara; Sawa, Tanaka; Miyama, Kawasumi; Ohno, Ōgimi
England starting lineup (4-3-1-2 formation): Bardsley; Houghton, Rafferty, Bronze, Bassett; Moore, Scott, Williams; Chapman; Carney, Taylor