USWNT vs Japan live - SheBelieves Cup 2019 match preview and where to watch

February 27, 2019 By Ali M.

Topics: USWNT TV Schedule, Japan TV Schedule, Football TV Schedules, USWNT, Japan, SheBelieves Cup

In our match analysis informing you how to watch USWNT's 2019 SheBelieves Cup opener against Japan, we compare team statistics and analyze their history.

What is the SheBelieves Cup and who are participating?

The SheBelieves Cup is an invitational tournament held annually in the United States for the last three years. The 2019 edition kicks off today, on February 27, 2019, with USWNT taking on Japan on the opening day.

All four participants -- Brazil and England being the other two -- are in one group with the winner after Matchday 3 being crowned as champion. The host nation looks to defend their crown and will be hoping for a good start on Wednesday.

The importance of the 2019 tournament to USWNT

As everyone knows, this year is World Cup year for women's football. Exactly 100 days remain before the tournament in France kicks off, meaning preparation should be in full swing.

All four participants in 2019 SheBelieves Cup have qualified for the 2019 World Cup. And given that England, Japan, and Brazil are ranked fourth, eighth, and tenth in the world, this will be a great warmup for Alex Morgan and Co. in their quest to defend the title.

Today marks 100 days until the FIFA Women's World Cup

The Stars and Stripes to reignite fued with a familiar foe

Clashes between USA and Japan always promise to be interesting. These two nations have locked horns numerous times before and in crucial games such as the 2015 Women's World Cup final. Carli Lloyd led her nation to a 5-2 victory to lift the title, with the Sky Blue FC forward bagging a hat-trick within 16 minutes on that day.

Two powerhouses lock horns

The winners of the last two @FIFAWWC editions clash tonight in Philadelphia.@Thorne_Research presents #5T2K https://t.co/DULlj9TYas
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) February 27, 2019

While USWNT also beat their bitter rival in the Olympics final three years prior to that, they have suffered their fair shart of heartbreaks at the hands of their Asian counterpart, namely the 2011 Women's World Cup final which they lost on penalty kicks.

What is USWNT's record against the Asian giant?

These two sides have crossed paths a whopping 36 times. Unsurprisingly, the United States boasts the superior record and have outscored Japan 104 goals to 27.

Games played: 36

USWNT wins: 28

Japan wins: 7

Draws: 1