A tie means different things for both sides. A tie can mean a tough battle or an uninteresting matchup. For Japan it meant an utter disappointment. For Argentina, it meant a great success. After three World Cup appearances, Argentina has finally secured their first point. The game ended in smiles and tears for the white and blue, after they held off one of the best teams in the world.
On the Japanese side, hands were on hips, heads down. A winnable game slipped away from their fingertips. The story of this game: A lackluster offense faces off against an organized defense.
Japan seemed to dominate this game, owning 61 percent of the possession and five corners, while Argentina had none. That being said, Japan only managed eight shots, three on target.
In the 25th minute, Japan’s Risa Shimizu sent an unsuccessful cross to Emi Nakajima, but was easily punched up by Argentine keeper Vanina Correa. Rikako Kobayashi tried to keep the offense going but launched the ball into the stands instead.
The rest of the half was fairly uneventful. Then, in the 50th minute, Kumi Yokoyama sent a long shot, which was parried slightly wide by Correa. Japanese striker Yuika Sugasawa collected the ball near the far post and tried to take it herself, but instead skied the ball.
Japan’s closest attempt came in the 56th minute, where Shimizu cut the ball back from the end line to about 12 yards out. Hina Sugita dummied the ball for Yui Hasegawa, who didn’t seem quite ready for it and then subsequently slices the ball wide.
Argentina’s best attempt came in the 73rd minute, Linda Bravo sent a ball to the 18, which slipped through the Japanese defense, allowing Maria Bonsegundo to run on to it and shoot. Unfortunately, she slipped as she took her shot and the ball went straight into the arms of Japanese keeper, Ayaka Yamashita.
Japan’s strategy revolves around high tempo passing, but that was stopped in its place by Argentina’s swarming defense. Every time Japan got possession near the box, the Argentine defense would pack in and block all possible passing lanes. At no point did Japan change its strategy or try something new. They also faltered on every corner opportunity.
If Japan wants to move past the group stages, they need to figure out a Plan B. If passing around the defense doesn’t work, they should try through or over-the-top balls. They also need to make a new strategy for corners. There’s no other team that will be shorter than Japan, so crosses will not be an effective strategy. Normally, short corners are not effective, they tend to kill a play before it happens. But for Japan, short corners might be their best chance to create something will a corner. By recycling the play to the top of the 18-yard box, they have a better opportunity to score.
Argentina did very well defensively, with a few chances offensively. They might not be able to make it out of the group stages if they don’t improve that. They’re holding out hope to beat Scotland and not lose terribly to England. If they play as well as they did against Japan and are able to out-defend the English offense, they could even tie.
Japan needs to make changes before their game against Scotland on Friday. Scotland fought well against England and this will not be an easy game. But it will be a must-win game, if they don’t they can plan on going home earlier than anyone expected.
