FIFA Women's World Cup - Semi Final Summary

Japan last night secured their second consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup Final spot after a cruel 2 -1 victory over England. Japan is now set to face the United States on Sunday, July 5th at BC Place Stadium, Vancouver. The Japanese will be hoping to redeem the title of World Cup champions once more, whereas the United States will be hoping to settle the score after losing in 2011 following extra time and penalties.

Japan vs. England

The current World Cup holders Japan faced England in Edmonton where they fought a well structured England side. England were unlucky not to be on the scoreboard after 30 seconds of play as Jodie Taylor flicked the ball over her and her opponents head before hitting a half volley. Unfortunately for Taylor and her fellow Lionesses, the ball bounced on the surface before reaching the target and directed away from goal.

Japan was awarded a penalty on the 33rd minute when Claire Rafferty blatantly shoved Saori Ariyoshi with two hands on the back. Nadeshiko captain Miyama made the most of her side’s opportunity to take the lead as she placed her penalty into the English net.

England was awarded a penalty on the other end of the pitch seven minutes later. As Captain Steph Houghton went to ground after Yuki Ogimi stood on her heel. It was England’s most capped player Fara Williams who stepped up to take the vital spot kick and showed her experience, as she calmly placed the ball into the goal on the 40th minute.

England had the better chances of the second half with Toni Duggan and Claire Rafferty both hitting the crossbar, although Japan had 68% of the possession. It looked to be heading to extra time with a shared score line of one apiece. However, a break on the right wing was unfortunately intercepted by English centre back Laura Bassett that poked the ball off the underside of the crossbar and over the goal line on the second minute of added time. The game ended 2 -1 in favour of Japan.

Match Highlights:

United States vs. Germany

Tuesday night the United States booked their spot in their second consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup Final. The currently ranked World No.2 fought off the World No.1 Germany 2-0 in the Semi Finals of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Germany started the game the more dominant of the sides with the United States finding it hard to break down play. An early corner on the 3rd minute seen Leupolz head the ball just over from close range. As the game progressed, the United States began to get comfortable with their first real chance coming on the 15th minute when midfielder Tobin Heath played a through ball to Alex Morgan. Morgan found herself one on one with German Captain and Portland Thorns teammate Nadine Angerer, she tried to hit her shot through the legs of the keeper but Angerer made a solid save with the inside of her boot.

Morgan had another chance late in the first half to break the deadlock as she flicked the ball past German defender Khran and chipped the ball over the charging German keeper Angerer, only for it to sail wide of the target on the 43rd minute. It remained scoreless at half time with the American’s dominating possession and chances.

Germany was awarded a penalty early in the second half. United States central defender Julie Johnston was cautioned for pulling back Alexandra Popp on the 58th minute when she couldn’t get a bouncing ball under control. Germany’s Sasic stood up to take the spot kick with an orb of confidence as she clapped and high fived team mates. United States goalkeeper Hope Solo dived in the opposite direction of the shot but was relieved to see the ball hit wide of the target.

The United States were awarded a penalty roughly ten minutes later when Alex Morgan was taken down at the edge of the box. United States Captain Carli Lloyd stood up to make it 1 – 0 to the United States on the 69th minute. Second half substitute Kelley O’Hara sealed the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final spot for the stars and stripes on the 84th minute. Carli Lloyd again playing a vital role as she powered through the German defence to unleash a cross into the six yard box for O’Hara to karate kick into the German net for her first International goal.

Match Highlights:

Saturday July 4th

Third place match

Germany vs. England – Edmonton – 2pm local (9pm Irish)

Sunday July 5th

Final

United States vs. Japan – Vancouver – 4pm local (Midnight Irish)