FIFA WWC: Argentina Versus Japan

Matchday 1 of Group D for the 2019 Women’s World Cup continues with Japan taking on Argentina in PSG’s Parc des Princes at noon.

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Argentina

While the men’s international side has a storied past with players like Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona and Mauricio Pochettino (Did I mention I support Tottenham?), the women’s team is quite a different story.

Founded in 2003, La Albiceleste is ranked No. 37 by FIFA, comfortably the lowest in the group.

A Lack of Experience

One of the biggest issues plaguing the women’s national team is a lack of playing experience at the international level. Most of the women called up for the World Cup have fewer than 20 caps with the national team.

In addition, this is Argentina’s first World Cup appearance since 2007.

Tactics

Argentina will likely deploy Lyon striker Sole Jaimes up top. The 6-foot center forward is a threat in the air, and facing a smaller Japanese side, could be a major decider in their opener.

Look for the likes of Florencia Bonsegundo and Mariana Lorroquette to swing in crosses from either wing to give Jaimes a chance at the top of a 4-2-3-1 formation.

In addition, Argentina’s captain, Estefania Banini, will look to create from the No. 10 position.

Japan

From one of the newest teams on the international stage to one of the most established, the Samurai Blue of Japan has qualified for all seven editions of the World Cup.

Ranked No. 7 by FIFA, Japan won the tournament in 2011 and were runners-up to the U.S. in 2015.

Replacing the Old Guard

All of this sounds great, but Japan’s golden generation has gotten old. While some are still present in the team, the Samurai Blue are in a bit of a rebuilding stage.

Several players on the roster have appeared in multiple World Cups already and have over 100 caps for their country. This includes the likes of Saki Kumagai (center back, captain), Rumi Utsugi (defensive midfielder, fourth WC), Aya Sameshima (center back), and Mizuho Sakaguchi (midfielder). All of these players are over the age of 30, except for 28-year-old Kumagai.

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Despite this experience, the average age for the squad is 24. This is because a majority of the 23-woman squad is filled with players under the age of 23.

Player to Watch

When the Japanese need a goal, look no further than striker Mana Iwabuchi. The 26-year-old has already appeared for Japan in the 2011 and 2015 World Cups.

In her first 60 caps for the national team, she bagged 21 goals. As long as she can remain healthy for the tournament, Japan should fight for that second- or third-place spot in Group D to look to advance to the knockout rounds.

What’s Next?

Here’s the schedule for the remaining Group D matches for the World Cup:

• 6/14 (Matchday 2) – Japan vs. Scotland at 9 a.m.
  • England vs. Argentina at 3 p.m.
• 6/19 (Matchday 3) Japan vs. England at 3 p.m.
  • Argentina vs. Scotland at 3 p.m.

For more about the teams, visit fifa.com.