Don’t expect many changes in the USA’s lineup and tactics from their last match against France…
Pia Sundhage may maintain the likes of Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe out of USA’s starting XI. The two players were used substitutes in the Americans’ previous 2 knock-out matches at the 2011 Women’s World Cup. Their effect from the bench has been important at the detriment of oppositions.
Remember Alex Morgan got her name on the scoring sheet as a 56th minute substitute against France and that her goal was set up by fellow-sub Rapinoe. Meanwhile, Lauren Cheney and Abby Wambach are expected to pair upfront in the USA’s starting XI. Heather O’Reilly might also keep her place as a starter after playing 87 minutes against the French.
Without red-carded Rachel Buehler, Becky Sauerbrunn could be offer another start in defense alongside skipper Christie Rampone, Amy Le Peilbet and Alex Krieger. The good news for the USA is that first-choice keeper Hope Solo has no fitness issues to worry about. But she could have yet another busy day on the pitch against Japan.
Kawasumi and Sawa are sharp swords for the Japanese. Beaten semi-finalists Sweden could confess this fact better. Here are interesting statistics to consider before the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup final:
To score 11 goals in total, the United States have had to produce 96 shots, 42 being on goal. Good stats but the Americans don’t beat the Japanese in terms of accuracy. Note that Japan have made only 23 shots on goal in 66 attempts.
In addition, defenders Yukari Kinga, Azusa Iwashimizu, Saki Kumagai and Aya Sameshima as well as goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori have played every minute of each 2011 World Cup match so far.
Fact: Japan’s defense has a better record than USA’s having conceded 4 goals compared to the Americans’ record of 5 goals allowed thus far.
The bad news for USA’s forwards is that Japan’s defense doesn’t seem to grow weak. Let’s see how the Asians’ back line could be troubled…
Remember Alex Morgan got her name on the scoring sheet as a 56th minute substitute against France and that her goal was set up by fellow-sub Rapinoe. Meanwhile, Lauren Cheney and Abby Wambach are expected to pair upfront in the USA’s starting XI. Heather O’Reilly might also keep her place as a starter after playing 87 minutes against the French.
Without red-carded Rachel Buehler, Becky Sauerbrunn could be offer another start in defense alongside skipper Christie Rampone, Amy Le Peilbet and Alex Krieger. The good news for the USA is that first-choice keeper Hope Solo has no fitness issues to worry about. But she could have yet another busy day on the pitch against Japan.
Kawasumi and Sawa are sharp swords for the Japanese. Beaten semi-finalists Sweden could confess this fact better. Here are interesting statistics to consider before the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup final:
To score 11 goals in total, the United States have had to produce 96 shots, 42 being on goal. Good stats but the Americans don’t beat the Japanese in terms of accuracy. Note that Japan have made only 23 shots on goal in 66 attempts.
In addition, defenders Yukari Kinga, Azusa Iwashimizu, Saki Kumagai and Aya Sameshima as well as goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori have played every minute of each 2011 World Cup match so far.
Fact: Japan’s defense has a better record than USA’s having conceded 4 goals compared to the Americans’ record of 5 goals allowed thus far.
The bad news for USA’s forwards is that Japan’s defense doesn’t seem to grow weak. Let’s see how the Asians’ back line could be troubled…
