Japan - Norway (1/8 Finals) FIFA Women’s World Cup
Wellington, August 5th.
For the 1/8 finals, Japan and Norway met to decide who would go through the next round.
A match between two former winners of the FIFA Women’s World Cup (Japan in 2011 and Norway in 1995).
While the Japanese team reached this stage without any difficulties, the Scandinavians struggled to pass the group until the last match.
The East Asian squad came to this match with a 1-3-4-3 starting formation, which was maintained in the middle third. When defending deep (first third), often changed to a 1-5-4-1 or 1-5-3-2. When attacking in the last third it would change to a fluid 1-3-3-4.
On the other hand, the Northern Europeans started the match in a 1-4-3-3 formation, shifting to a 1-6-3-1 or 1-5-4-1 while defending middle and first third of the pitch. On attack, second and final third, the 1-4-3-3 changed to a 1-4-1-2-3 or a 1-3-3-1-3.
In a chilly evening in Wellington, New Zealand, Japan started the game playing around with short passing, very organised in the midfield and in defence, trying to explore the spaces available in the back of the opposition defenders, in the wings (specially on the left with some 1v2 plays) and between the lines of Norway’s defence and midfield. The players reacted and pressed immediately after losing the ball possession. Without the ball, the team formed a mid-block, occupying all the defensive midfield and pressing as soon as the ball entered that space. This strategy allowed them to control the game most of the time and to create danger.
Norway, which has taller and physically stronger players, entered nervous in the game, defending very deep with a low block. They tried to go forward more directly using through balls and also over, looking for Sophie Haug but the Central Forward was too alone (due to the defensive low block) to capitalise that strategy.
On the 15th minute, the Asian team scored first when Engen (Norway’s CM) cut a cross which resulted in an own goal. This caused the reaction of the Scandinavians who, 5 minutes later, equalised with Reiten’s header after a cross from their right.
Japan controlled the game until half time. Japan seemed to have the upper hand. Quality passing, very high work rate and teamwork, good communication and comprehensive knowledge of the team’s strategy were decisive factors. On Norway’s side, despite the good reaction to the goal conceded, the team seemed disconnected, lacking confidence, communication and concentration.
The second half started and soon enough, the Japanese assumed control of the game and scored for the second time through Shimizu (50’), following a possession recovery inside Norway’s penalty area.
The Norwegians were unable to react and Japan’s team kept doing their game. Playing simple, exploring the spaces between lines to advance in the field, build up plays or using through passes to explore the space and the speed of their players.
At the 72nd minute, the Japanese side brought Ueki in to refresh the attack, lowered the lines and started betting more in counter attacks and quick transitions. Soon after (74’), Norway’s team also made some tactical changes, bringing Hegerberg (FW) in and taking Tuva Hansen out (LB) betting more in the attack.
The substitution seemed to have immediate results and the Scandinavians started to dominate the game, creating several chances. Still, Japan scored the third goal from Miyazawa, through a supported counterattack.
The Norwegians had 3 more opportunities but failed to score, settling the final score Japan 3 - 1 Norway.
Overall, the Japanese were more consistent, emotionally and psychologically controlled, and well prepared. In contrast, the Scandinavians reacted late and couldn’t avoid their fate.
Key Player:
Yui Hasegawa – Very solid game, good quality of passing and vision. Always looked to control the tempo of the game and was very calm in the process of decision making, usually choosing the best option.
