World Cup Final - USA v. Japan: The Rematch

Tony DiCicco – Fox Soccer Analyst for the World Cup

Review of the Semi-Final -- USA vs. Germany

One of the best games of the FIFA Women's World Cup was the semi-final between the two most successful national teams ever in women's football. Germany won two World Cups between 2000 and 2010 and the USA won two World Cups in the 1990s. Germany was ranked #1 and the USA ranked #2.

The USA had the tougher group games to play, but Germany had a round of 16 game vs Sweden and then a quarterfinal (ask FIFA) against France and now a semi-final vs the USA.... a pretty tough run. Maybe their legs were a bit heavy or maybe, they, as all of us, didn't realize the USA would play their best game in the semi-final.

Germany came out strong with high pressure defense and put the USA under pressure all over the field. I actually remember Germany doing that to the USA when I was coaching back in 1998. I don't think we got the ball over half field for the first 10 minutes of the game but then we started to solve them and, believe it or not, won the game 6-0. Three days later, we played them again and, this time, they played a different defense, sitting in and counter-attacking and we won that game 2-0 but they also had some excellent chances.

Anyway, back to the present... Even though Germany came out strong, the USA didn't panic, they looked calm and confident -- almost arrogant, and solved the heavy pressure individually and collectively with passes and slowly took over the game. By the end of the half, the USA had all the best chances but Nadine Angerer, the German keeper, made some great saves to keep the score line even.

Being 0-0 at halftime reminded us all of the France vs. Germany match in which France dominated the first half but didn't score and Germany raised their game and after the game finished 1-1 (Germany tied with a penalty scored by Celia Sasic), Germany won in penalties...scoring all 5. It is very difficult to beat Germans in penalties (men or women).
As expected, Germany came out strong and with a better possession game. Then, they served a high ball in behind the USA defense and Julie Johnston got caught in two minds...do I head it back to Hope Solo or do I clear it? I always taught my defenders that on bouncing balls from over the top serves, head it back if it's clear but if there are any questions, clear it long and wide -- hopefully for a throw-in.

Here is where the game changed. The referee could have easily given Julie Johnston a red card for being the last defender but only issued a yellow. While this was going on, Hope Solo had walked almost to the corner flag and then slowly returned. The referee probably should have given her a yellow card for delay of game, but her tact was to "freeze" Celia Sasic a bit and have her think about taking the penalty and maybe let doubt creep in. Whether it worked or not, Solo dove towards one post and Sasic missed the goal trying to shoot to her left post (right of the keeper).

This was a big break for the USA and it gave them confidence. Not long after, Alex Morgan made a dynamic run towards goal and was fouled by Annike Krahn just outside the penalty area but the referee pointed to the penalty stripe! What a change of fortune. Carli Lloyd patiently waited while the referee sorted out the positioning at the top of the 18 and then slotted it to Angerer's left as the keeper dove right.

Kelley O'Hara then came into the game for Tobin Heath and, before long, she made it 2-0 off an excellent assist from Carli Lloyd. Lloyd is a big-time player in the biggest games (2 winning goals in the last two Olympic Gold Medal games)!

This was the USA's best effort thus far. They changed their system to a 1-4-3-3 with Alex Morgan as the lone center forward, the wingers were Megan Rapinoe and Tobin Heath and the new midfield configuration had Lauren Holiday holding alongside Morgan Brian and Carli Lloyd as the attacking midfielder. Well done Coach Jill Ellis! On to the FINAL.

Preview of the FINAL -- USA vs. Japan
The 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup FINAL is Sunday, July 5th at 6pm EST broadcast by FOX Network (you can go to Fox Sports FIFA World Cup to get a complete World Cup broadcast schedule). It will be played in BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, BC, Canada and features Olympic Gold Medalist USA vs. defending World Cup Champion Japan. This match will be the third final they have played against each other since the 2011 World Cup (the other was the 2012 Olympics).

Japan is very technical and a fantastic passing team. They are also very organized, very fit and have a great competitive resolve. The USA is more athletic, bigger in stature, also fit and organized and coming off a great win against contender Germany. In addition, the USA has one additional day of rest... which shouldn't be a factor but one never knows as this is the seventh international game for both teams in less than a month. I am calling this the RUBBER MATCH!

What does Japan bring to the field? They have an outstanding midfield led by Aya Miyama. Aya played in America in the WPS and is smart, talented, a free kick expert and the captain and leader of Japan. Their left back, Aya Sameshima, played for me and the Boston Breakers in 2011. Their other stars are Mizuho Sakaguchi, Shinobu Ohno, Nahomi Kawasumi, and a strong supporting cast of players. They will not be intimidated by the USA and Japan is the only team to have won all 6 games thus far in the World Cup. Japan will play a 1-4-4-2.

The USA had a slow start in the World Cup, winning with a great defense despite an anemic offense but things are starting to change. The USA started the first 5 games playing a 1-4-4-2 but, in this last match versus Germany, coach Jill Ellis switched to a 1-4-3-3 and looked much better as a possession and attacking team. The USA will have Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe and Carli Lloyd as their main threats but there will be a lot of fire power potential on the bench including (most likely) Abby Wambach.

So what are the keys? Japan has to possess the ball and make the USA chase it. Japan can't give up set pieces and corner kicks because the USA will have a decided height advantage and will be very dangerous. The USA needs to keep the space in front of the back four very tight because the Japanese are masters at combination play in that space and into the penalty area. The USA, I believe, needs to put Japan under pressure higher up the field to make them play faster than they want. For sure, they will solve pressure at times so the USA has to keep their shape behind the pressing players but I also believe that the USA will force some giveaways that can lead to shots and goals.

Let's compare the two teams
Speed - USA
Possession - Japan
Set pieces - USA
Attack - Even
Defense - USA
Goalkeeping - USA
Fitness - Even
Coaching - Japan
Bench - USA
Fan Support - USA (although, because the game is in Vancouver, Japan will have good fan support also)

My prediction: 2-0 USA!!!!!

Tony DiCicco

Soccer Champions Coaches' Clinic Co-Founder

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR: The 2016 Soccer Champions Coaches' Clinic at Mohegan Sun will take place March 3 - 5 at the spectacular Mohegan Sun Convention Center. For more details, visit www.SoccerChampionsClinic.com