In the Rectangular Stadium located in Melbourne, Australia, Japan faces Norway in a match corresponding to the Round of 16 in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023.
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The Japanese representative surpassed the Group Stage with a perfect record, which positioned them as a serious contender for the title of the tournament.
In their presentation, the team led by Futoshi Ikeda put on a real showcase of ball control, based on a 3-4-3 scheme, with which they overwhelmed Zambia 5-0.
Subsequently, the Asian team resolved their second match in the first half, scoring the two goals with which they defeated Costa Rica.
And finally, in their match against Spain, they again demonstrated how to set foot on the field to crush the Iberian team 4-0. A chameleonic demonstration by the Japanese, who have known how to adapt their game to each opponent and circumstance.
In this way, Japan finished at the top of Group C, with 11 goals scored and none conceded, as a clear demonstration of the solidity of their defense.
Regarding Norway, they have been improving throughout the tournament, as in their first match they lost 1-0 to New Zealand and then drew 0-0 against Switzerland.
However, with the obligation to win to stay alive in their match against the Philippines, the Scandinavian team took to the field inspired and scored six goals, which ultimately meant not only their qualification but also eliminating New Zealand from the tournament. Although both nations finished with four points, the goal difference was better for the Nordic team.
Based on what has been done so far, Japan is favored to impose their style on Norway.