Japan vs Norway – Round of 16 – Preview & Prediction | 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
THE FACTS
When is Japan vs Norway on and what time does it start? Japan vs Norway will take place on Saturday 5th August, 2023 – 09:00 (UK)
Where is Japan vs Norway taking place? Japan vs Norway will take place at Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand.
Where can I get tickets for Japan vs Norway? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Japan vs Norway
What channel is Japan vs Norway on in the UK? Japan vs Norway will be televised live on ITV1
Where can I stream Japan vs Norway in the UK? Japan vs Norway can be streamed on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
JAPAN
- Japan come into the knockout stage boasting the best record of any nation across the group stage, having won all three games without conceding a goal and scoring 11 times in the process.
- Plenty of question marks remain as to who will take to the field from the start here for Japan with the whole squad contributing and a number of players in form, but perhaps the most interesting dilemma is who gets the nod upfront between Riko Ueki and Mina Tanaka.
NORWAY
- Norway’s place in the knockout stage looked very much under threat following the first round of group games, but a hard fought 1-1 draw with Switzerland represented a good recovery, before a commanding 6-0 thrashing of Philippines saw the ‘Gresshoppene’ go through on goal difference ahead of both them and joint-tournament hosts New Zealand.
- Roma’s Sophie Roman Haug stole the show for Norway against Philippines, netting a hat-trick in the continued absence of Ada Hegerberg and regardless of the inaugural Ballon d’Or’s winner’s fitness, Roman Haug must be favourite to start up top here.
THE TEAM NEWS
JAPAN
PREDICTED XI (3-4-2-1): Yamashita; Takahashi, Kumagai, Minami; Shimizu, Hasegawa, Hayashi, Endo; Miyazawa, Naomoto; Tanaka
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
NORWAY
PREDICTED XI (3-4-3): Mikalsen; Bjelde, Mjelde, Harviken, Hansen; Maanum, Risa, Reiten; Graham Hansen, Roman Haug, Haavi
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Hegerberg (Fitness), Leine (Injured)
THE KEY STATS
- Japan have won six and lost one of their last seven encounters against Norway.
- This is third time in succession that Japan have faced European opposition in the FIFA Women’s World Cup round of 16 after encountering the Netherlands in both 2015 (W 2-1) and 2019 (L 2-1).
- Japan have scored a total of exactly 50 goals in FIFA Women's World Cup history.
- Japan have won seven of their last nine FIFA Women’s World Cup matches against European teams (W7 L2).
- Japan’s total of 11 goals registered so far at the 2023 finals is only one short of their best tally in a single edition of 12 which they recorded in 2015.
- Japan have won 12 and drawn two of their last 17 FIFA Women’s World Cup matches (W12 D3 L3).
- Japan have only failed to score in two of their last 17 FIFA Women’s World Cup matches.
- Winners in 1995, Norway have now progressed through to the knockout phase in eight of the nine FIFA Women’s World Cup final competitions; the exception being 2011.
- The 6-0 victory against the Philippines was Norway’s biggest win in the FIFA Women’s World Cup since a 7-1 victory against Korea Republic in 2003.
- Norway have won five and drawn two of their last eight FIFA Women’s World Cup matches against AFC teams (W5 D2 L1).
THE PREDICTION
Japan have proven the benchmark for all the other nations across the tournament so far, but here they come up against a Norwegian side who have garnered some serious momentum at just the right time. However, what Japan showed most recently against Spain is that they boast the defensive grit, tenacity and skill to shut out a high-quality opponent, which will serve them well in the Round of 16. Combined with an offensive cutting edge that has been of the highest standard and a squad of substantial depth, Japan are well worth backing to book their place in the quarter-finals across 90 minutes vs Norway.
TIP: JAPAN TO WIN
