Aug 5 17:00 New Zealand date and time JAPAN v. NORWAY Wellington / Te Whanganui-a-Tara - Wellington Regional Stadium
Hey, I like these new shiny Round of 16 threads, @soccernutter! Meanwhile, you're unpinning the single groups' threads as each of them has an end. Smart managing of this sub-forum.
This is a bad match-up for Norway historically, but a challenge I look forward to. 9 matches: 6 wins for Japan and 3 wins for Norway Only three meetings over the last 10 years, none of them in major competitions. Friendly, Tottori 2018: Japan 4 – 1 Norway Yokoyama 16, Iwabuchi 27, 55, Momiki 63 --- Gausdal 81 Algarve Cup 2017: Japan 2 – 0 Norway Yokoyama 59, 89 Algarve Cup 2013: Norway 2 – 0 Japan CG Hansen 8, Hegerberg 16 I don’t know what to make of Japan’s thrashing of Spain. The efficiency was so extreme. They seemed to score every time they crossed the half-way line. In terms of possession, roles are likely to be reversed in this contest with Japan dominant as Spain. Norway’s defence hasn’t really been tested so far, but it was leaking big time against top opposition in the run-up to the tournament. I suppose defensive organization is high on the agenda for Hege Riise in training sessions over the coming days. Two players are doubtful for the Japan game. Ada Hegerberg continues to work her way back to full fitness and Thea Bjelde at right back was carried off against the Philippines with a knock on the calf.
I swear I would have gladly avoided the clash between our two teams too, my old friend. Norway at the moment is apparently a mess, on the pitch and outside of it, but these are the dangerous moments when a team could choose to regroup and to come back stronger. A good team, with top-players as Caroline Graham Hansen in its ranks, is more dangerous than ever when they have their back on the wall. It was Philippines' coach Alen Stajcic, who, ahead of their match vs Norway, talked about the reaction of a "wounded" animal, wasn't it? I have to admit I am worried about a "wounded" Norway too, probably more than I would have been if we'd have had to meet a Norway team who had comfortably got out of their group instead. Yokohama, Iwabuchi, Momiki... at least no-one of the players who have scored to Norway in these previous meeting are in Japan's roster right now: is that reassuring enough for you, @Bauser? Believe it or not, I am much more afraid of Sophie Román Haug than I would be of Ada Hegerberg (at least at this particular moment in time).
Japan - Norway Referee: (BRA) Edina Alves AR1: (BRA) Neuza Back AR2: (BRA) Leila Cruz 4th: (MEX) Katia Garcia
I don’t think much can be drawn from the Philippines match, as the Filipinos were unprepared mentally for Norway after their historic win over New Zealand. I think Norway reverts to the poor showings of the first two matches, and Japan wins easily.
Mmmpph, can anyone stop the jinxing, please? Don't know, something along the line of "Ada Hegerberg keeps being very dangerous", "Norway will want to redeem their bad display at group stage", "I can see Norway as the World Champions", anything!!!
Norway if they can get it right tactically (doubtful) are probably a good threat of an upset. Have enough quality and Sophie Haug is the perfect forward to give Japan trouble. She’s similar to Ellen White imo who had a good record against Japan. If she can hold the ball up, be physical and make the runs she has been making then who knows. Norway need to sit deeper, stay compact and cut out the combination passes. They have the talent to create problems on the counter. I’m expecting it to be quite tight and nervy but that is dependent on Norway playing their best game of the tournament
15 – Japan were the team who generated the most shots following line-breaking passes during the group stages of the 2023 #FIFAWWC (15). Indeed, four of their 11 goals have been assisted by line-breaking passes, the most of any side in the tournament so far. Pierced. pic.twitter.com/amKftjhGj2— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 4, 2023
You look at Norway's talent and wonder why they've been so bad at times the last 2+ years. They just don't seem to have enough solidity back to front, and aren't really good enough in the back. Too many defensive lapses. They are certainly capable of scoring--and of giving up goals. Maybe the nice win over the Philippines will unlock Norway's potential, but I wouldn't bet on them in this match.
You make a lot of good points! I think Norway will "get it right tactically" and I fully expect Norway's height superiority to play a big factor in their upset over Japan. One of the keys for Norway will be for CGH, Reiten, and Haavi to create a lot scoring chances and earn some important free kicks and corners, which will enable Norway to take advantage of their air superiority! Agreed! Another thing to keep in mind too is that Japan has not trailed once in the tournament and has always led at the half. If Norway scores first and has a lead at the break, it will be interesting to see how Japan responds. The Norwegian players and staff have already been through their fair share of adversity during this tournament and I feel like this will ultimately make them much stronger as team the deeper they advance in the tournament. I fully expect Norway to play their best match so far and advance to the quarterfinals by winning a thriller.
Finally someone not jinxing Japan! I like it! You are an honourable opponent, @nordby1! I will be glad to fight against you.
#11 Japan — rating 1917 #12 Norway — rating 1908 Virtually identical ratings means this game is toss-up from a ratings standpoint. However, based on recent Jinxing Indicators... Therefore (mmmpph)...