The SheBelieves Cup's lowest ranked team, No. 13 Spain, sits at the top of the table following a dominant 3-1 victory over No. 9 Japan on matchday 1. Meanwhile, hosts No. 1 USA sits in second place after taking down a bitter rival in No. 4 England by a final score of 2-0.
Sunday will mark the start of the second phase of this tournament with matchday 1 losers Japan and England facing one another in a must win game, followed by a clash between the USWNT and Spain – both matches will be played at the Red Bull Arena.
Japan vs England: preview, head-to-head, players to watch and broadcast info
Losing a game in the SheBelieves Cup is like pulling your hamstring 15 minutes into a match. You are just not going to get very far.
The four past SheBelieves winners have gone undefeated and accumulated a minimum of seven points. In other words, losing a game will almost always mean that the team won't lift the cup. But theoretically, England and Japan still have a chance and will fight for any chances of survival.
Japan was inaccurate for most of the match despite scoring a worldie in Mana Iwabuchi's equalizer before the half. Anyhow, the goal celebrations from the Japanese stopped abruptly when Lucia Garcia scored the first of two goals in the 48th minute. Jorge Vilda's Spain completely outmaneuvered Asako Takaruka's Japan.
Similar to their previous match at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup semifinal, England gave a great battle, yet fell victim to the World Champions. This time around, the English were denied a goal and suffered against the USWNT's fast and strong buildup. Nonetheless, England head into this match as favorites and will look to win by a big margin to hope for a yet to happen tournament win with six points.
Head-to-head
England leads the head-to-head record 3W-2D-1L with Japan since their meeting at the 2007 Women's World Cup. They only faced one another five times over the last 13 years, but they have met at the previous four World Cups, creating a cross-continental rivalry. And one of the meetings was at the 2019 SheBelieves Cup in which England took the win.
Players to watch
Mana Iwabuchi – Japan
Iwabuchi's #10 role is the most important in attack for the Nadeshiko. Therefore, the ball must be given to her in order to create more chances. Her goal on Friday was a great example of what she can do behind the #9. If she has space, she will create.
Beth England – England
Beth England was the player to watch in the preview for the game against the USWNT, but she did not start, and the Lionesses suffered in front of the Alyssa Naeher's goal. It is hard to understand why Phil Neville decided to go with a player that does not have the same form as the Chelsea's striker in Ellen White. Yes, she has been the designated #9 for the Lionesses over the years but keeping a mass destruction weapon sitting in an armory is not the way you win wars. She looked good in the 12 minutes she played creating space in the American's box and being a threat. She is expected to get a start against Japan.
Broadcast information
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
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USWNT vs Spain: preview, head-to-head, players to watch and broadcast info
Vlatko Andonovski's wishes for the USWNT to play attractive, attacking and aggressive football is coming true as weeks go by. The U.S. does not need the ball at all times to be dangerous and they showed it again on Friday against England. Twenty-three shots and six on target with 49% possession compared to England's eight shots and 3 on target with 51% possession. But the Stars and Stripes hope that the upcoming match against Spain is not a repeat of their 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup round of 16 meeting.
Moreover, Spain was arguably the USA's toughest opponent in its knockout stages road to glory in France. Vilda's side was able to keep the U.S. to only two shots on target despite losing to two penalties via Megan Rapinoe.
Spain has a unique possessive style that results in spaces opening up for forwards like Jeni Hermoso, Alexia Putellas and Lucia Garcia to exploit. La Roja showed a dominant performance over Japan and will look to end the USWNT's win-streak on Sunday.
Head-to-head
The history between these two sides is slowly picking ups as they head to their third-ever fixture. Their first match was a friendly played at the Estadio Jose Rico Perez, home of second division Spanish side Hercules CF, in January 2019 when the Stars and Stripes won 1-0. And as you know it, the Americans also won their match in France 2-1.
Players to watch
Christen Press – USWNT
Christen Press was the player to watch for the USWNT match against England, and she will keep that honor heading into the second match of the SheBelieves Cup. Press is a player who manages to create moments of brilliance when the U.S. most need it. Given the tightness of their last meeting with Spain, Andonovski will be happy to have such a special player on his squad.
Lucia Garcia – Spain
Talk about having the ability to round keepers. Garcia did so twice against Japan. Her high energy drives defenders insane and her pace creates separation from them. Japan's goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita will have nightmares of being taken. Anyhow, Garcia scored two goals off the bench to hand Spain a healthy 3-1 win. Even if she does not start against the USWNT, she will be ready to come in the game whenever she is called by Vilda.
Broadcast information
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
