Japan had to concede another draw against the Argentines. (Image via: The Japan Times)

2019 FIFA Women's World Cup: Japan Shares with Argentina

PARIS - For the Japanese, it was excruciatingly annoying. For Argentina, it was a celebration. Why? The goalless draw between the 2 resulted in 1 point shared between Japan and Argentina. This 1 point was the first point “EVER” obtained by the Argentine.

Japan shares a rivalry with US, in terms of women’s soccer. The Nadeshiko – Japan’s women soccer team’s nickname - reigned in 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany, thrashing US. As retaliation, US women beat Japan in 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.

With this record, of course the Japs were favored to beat Argentine. Nonetheless, Argentine’s strong, solid defense made it hard for the Nadeshiko to hit the ball into the net.

Both teams tested each other’s defense, but to no avail. Vanina Correa’s splendid reaction and command over her defense line paid off, after series of shots by Kumi Yokoyama and friends were neutralized under her watch. While, of course, Argentines also tested Japan’s defense, but their attacks seemed powerless against the former 2011 champion.

Japan is in Group D, together with England, Argentina, and Scotland. With this draw, Japan had to sit on the third position, a position prone to relegation. In order to proceed to next stage, Japan had to win against England, and Scotland to prove themselves worthy.

2019 has been a rough season for the Nadeshiko, since they could only win 1 match from 7 fixtures (against Brazil) and 4 draws (against US, Germany, Spain, and Argetina).

The next opponent for Japan is the English. England just beat Japan 0-3 in SheBelieves Cup. The Nadeshiko will need more than luck to beat England. Nonetheless, as the former champion, the Japanese seem to be holding something in their sleeves for the English.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/jun/10/womens-world-cup-argentina-japan-match-report