The group stage at the 2019 Women’s World Cup is wrapping up, and that is the case in this matchup featuring Japan and England. Both of these squads know that they will be advancing to the round of 16, but the winner of this match will claim the title in Group D. England and Japan have built up a nice rivalry in recent years, and this should be a terrific matchup.
England comes into this game with a perfect 2-0 record in World Cup play after notching victories over Scotland and Argentina. England hasn’t exactly been dominant through its first two matches but has been just good enough. Japan played to a draw with Argentina in their opening match, but then posted a 2-1 victory over Scotland in their second game. England is +105 in this soccer match while Japan is +305 in this final game of group stage.
England Needs More Offense
England might be moving on to the round of 16, but if they don’t find some more offense, then they are going to be going home early. England has managed to score just three goals through their first two games, but it has been enough to push them to the top of Group D. They have, however, played great defense throughout this tournament run, and have allowed just one goal so far. This England team has plenty of experience, and they will know how to attack a very tough Japan team in this game.
England doesn’t necessarily have one of the top players in the world on their side, but they are extremely deep and loaded with talent. All of the players on this England team play professional soccer, and that experience should give them something to draw on as they advance through the tournament. Nikita Parris is the most decorated player on this roster and has already recorded a goal so far in this tournament.
Not Much Experience
Japan won this tournament in 2011 and was in the finals four years ago, but this is a completely different Japan team. There are a few holdovers from that 2011 championship team, but there are also plenty of players making their World Cup debut in this tournament. The team has just three players over 30 years of age, and their inexperience showed up in their opening draw against Argentina.
Midfielder Yuka Momiki will be a key player throughout this tournament for Japan, but she has yet to factor into the scoring. Mana Iwabuchi and Yuika Sugasawa have scored the only two goals for Japan so far in this tournament, but scoring isn’t their game. Japan will look to control tempo in this game and will be ready to capitalize on mistakes from Team England.
Japan Upsets England
Don’t expect many goals to be scored in this matchup, as neither of these teams is great offensively. These two teams know each other extremely well, and they will both be out to win Group D with a victory in this one. One goal is going to be the difference, and Japan will find just enough offense to beat England in this one. Bet Japan +305 over England to win the final game in Group D on Wednesday afternoon.
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