Japan vs Norway: Is there more to come from Japan at this World Cup?
Japan will be seeking to continue their impressive run at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup when they face Norway in the round of 16. The Asian nation, who are the only from their confederation to win a World Cup (men’s and women’s) when they shocked the world with their 2011 victory, have made a clear statement of intent so far in this summer’s competition. Futoshi Ikeda’s team had a wobbly start to 2023 when they were beaten by both the USA and Brazil in the SheBelieves Cup, but have looked largely solid coming into the World Cup.
Japan warmed up for this competition with a comfortable 5-0 win over Panama, and perhaps this was a sign of things to come from the 2011 World Cup winners. On matchday one, they absolutely crushed debutant side Zambia 5-0 to quickly move to the top of their quartet, before following that up with another clean sheet in a 2-0 win against Costa Rica.
Japan have been in imperious form so far at this summer’s World Cup
But Japan were saving the best for last, when they pulled off an absolutely brilliant performance against Spain. As expected, Spain dominated much of the possession – but it ultimately ended up counting for nothing as Japan patiently waited before launching a series of counter-attacks to devastating effect. By the time the dust settled, Japan were four goals to the good and were heading into the round of 16 as the winners of Group C. Not only did they complete their group stage campaign with three wins out of three, but also did so without conceding a goal. Their 11 goals makes Japan the highest-scoring side at this summer’s World Cup, and given the form they are in, it’s hard to see them not adding at least a goal or two against a Norway side who have not looked particular impressive so far.
Norway’s inconsistency could come back to haunt them
Meanwhile, Norway, who, like Japan, have also won a World Cup title, started their campaign off on the worst possible footing as they lost 1-0 to New Zealand, giving the Ferns their first-ever win at a World Cup. Hege Riise’s team were then held to a frustrating goalless draw by a Switzerland side who were perfectly keen on defending in numbers and maintaining a clean sheet, meaning that they needed to beat the Philippines – and by a solid margin – in order to progress.
The Philippines, for their part, had given their fans plenty to celebrate thanks to their stunning 1-0 win over New Zealand, and were certainly hopeful of pulling off another bigger upset when they faced Norway. However, they were handed a tough lesson as Norway cruised to a 6-0 win to secure their spot in the knockout rounds as Group A’s runners-up behind Switzerland.
Despite the resounding win, there are still concerns about Norway’s chances at this competition. The 6-0 victory ended a six match winless run for the Scandinavian side, but is only their second win of 2023, and there are still memories of their horror show at the EURO 2020 competition during which they were humiliated 8-0 by England.
While Japan aren’t expected to replicate the mauling Norway received at the hands of the Lionesses, the fact that they scored four sans reply against Spain is certainly something that has sent a clear message, both to upcoming opponents Norway as well as the rest of the teams remaining in this competition.
Not surprisingly, given their overall experience on the world stage, Norway and Japan are no strangers to each other. The two sides have met nine times before, with Japan having won the majority of those meetings (six victories versus Norway’s three).
Will Japan continue their ruthless run that has impressed fans – and probably intimidated a few sides – with another solid win on Saturday? Or will Norway become not just the first team to score against them, but also pick up a confidence-boosting win and book a ticket to the quarter-finals?
