Japan faces its date with destiny in the Women's World Cup final

Japan continued its fairytale 2011 Women's World Cup by beating Sweden 3-1 in Wednesday’s semifinal, and now faces the United States on Sunday in a match that could be a classic for the ages. Its arrival on the world stage is a culmination of a remarkable journey, during which its  soccer has evolved and improved with increasing international participation.

In the semifinal Japan again used soccer skills to gain a stranglehold over the midfield, from where it generated its attack. The highlight of the evening was its third goal. Punched from an outrushing goalkeeper clearance, the ball came to Nahomi Kawasami, a World Cup debutante. After one mid-air touch for control, her next was to volley it 40 meters over the stranded keeper and under the crossbar, a treat for the 46,000 attendance and millions of TV viewers.

Japan’s Domestic League

As in most countries (with Germany and USA being the major exceptions), Japan’s domestic league fixtures are sparsely attended despite free entrance. Only a few star players in the country have paid contracts, and for the vast majority, including for several amateurs on this national team, the 'day-job' is essential to survive.

Following a disappointing fourth place at the 2008 Olympics, the Nadeshiko instituted a remarkable plan of global dimensions. They could play like Barca in their domestic league, but where were the big European, USA and Brazil-type opposition to practice against? The plan to remedy the issue called for special sacrifice, as it was to send candidate players to live overseas and gain international experience, with the likes of Kozue Ando, Yuki Nagasato and Saki Kumagai all now playing in Germany, as well as Rumi Utsugi and Mami Yamaguchi plying their trade in France and Sweden, respectively.

In addition, Homara Sawa, Aya Miyama, Mizuho Sakaguchi and Karina Maruyama have played in the USA's Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) in the last two years, but all have since returned to Japan as various WPS teams have folded or downsized. The sacrifice of Sakaguchi is most notable – she could only get a place with FC Indiana, a now-defunct WPS affiliate, and played just four games before rupturing her ACL to lose a whole year of playing time.

"I hope they can keep the momentum going in the final and return to Japan with the cup." - Japan's men's coach Alberto Zaccheroni

The tsunami - Japan considers World Cup withdrawal

After the tsunami disaster in March, Japan’s domestic league was curtailed due to damaged facilities. As teams typically practice at night after working hours, electricity shortages limiting sessions to jogging only, and Japan even considered withdrawing from the World Cup. Nevertheless a pre-planned visit to the USA in May went ahead, during which Japan lost to the USA twice by 2-0 scorelines but this trip helped the Nadeshiko fuse together as a team.

Sunday

The USA women's side is a formidable team. It has a rock-solid defensive line and goalkeeper Hope Solo is the world’s best. The forward line has both speed and power, and will stretch the Japan defense to its limit. With weapons like these, the USA may even afford to lose in midfield and yet win the game.

Look for Japan to make an effort to create more shooting opportunities, something which it is traditionally shy at. If it can really dominate the midfield battle, watch for Miyama, Sawa and Sakaguchi to thread the ball through for Nahomi Kawasumi and Ando up front. Watch also for the wing backs Yukari Kinga and Aya Sameshima to overlap the wingers for crossing and decoy plays. One highlight from the semifinal is a hallmark of Japan’s game – standing beside Sawa as she heads their second goal, you can see Kinga miles from her defensive position, lurking for her chance. It is not like any team you have seen before.

A win for Japan would mean much for the players, by catapulting it from near-anonymity into a national celebration and a place in history. It would also likely save some of its domestic league clubs from liquidation in the post-tsunami turmoil.

To win it, Japan will have to deliver in intensity and execute its beautiful passing game to perfection. This final will confirm what the tournament has already shown - that international women’s soccer is now truly competitive.

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