As this Group D match opens with many more stands filled, Underdogs Argentina walked on knowing exactly who they are, where they stand, and what they’ve got to deal with!
Philosophically speaking, one has won if she knows her strengths, and more importantly her limitations! Argentina, and hats off to them for that, knew they were far from being Japan’s equals. But, instead of being uncalled for heroism, they chose pragmatism and realism! Argentina literally flocked the Japanese from kickoff till the end. Each Japanese had 2-3 Argentinians behind her back and they just couldn’t get through!
Yes, Argentina parked the bus. Yes, it wasn’t a very beautiful game, but no, they were NOT WRONG! Best foot forward, they handled Japan as best as they could. Japan threatened them a few times invading the box, but Team Argentina cleared them away, even if it was sloppy or slow!
The first half saw one of the fittest and the second youngest team this World Cup, 2011 champions Japan STUTTER! Not one goal on shot from either sides, but more significantly, not one from Japan. They were frustrated, but helpless! Argentina fell back every time Japan’s crosses more than 50% of their half, and didn’t let a soul through. Every Japanese player was marked and deputy-marked, and deputy-marked! Stunning!
The first half stars from Japan were 14 No. Hasegawa and 22. Shimizu. Shimizu, right back, was a beast on the right flank! Her crosses were absolute marvels and the chances she created? WASTED!!! Hasegawa was just as spectacular, showing some amazing tackling skills, dribbling past the inexperienced Argentine defence. A particular moment came around the 24th minute as Shimizu threw in a beautiful cross, caught and returned by Sugasawa, again Shimizu sent it inside the box- cleared by Arg defense- caught by 17 and finally shot over the goal!
50th minute, Argentina break their defence for the first time and 20 of Japan capitalised, took a long shot from outside the box, but Correa punched it away, Sugasawa captured it but shot wide off target!
Woah! 56th minute saw Japan’s best chance yet as Shimizu (again) sent in the ball from the right corner, Sugita jumps over deceiting the defense, Hasegama got an easy ball BUT shot it wide!!! Missed!!!! Japan sure raised their tempos knowing fully well Argentina is going to keep up with them at all steps!
Correa’s workload increased substantially in the second half as Japanese attack strengthened and was faster! Arg knowing well they had denied Japan fully in the first half, were more confident in the second half, left their buses, and got on some Ferraris! Less players at defense, but no decrease in quality!
64th minute saw Captain Banini and Sole James make a run for the Japanese half, and execute their first real threat of the match! Banini tackled through exquisitely, Sole James slid from among 3 defenders but couldn’t get her shot through!
Yes, Japan accelerated its attacking spree, but you know what was more interesting to watch? Argentina doing that too! Banini and Sole’s run ups were awesome!!!And it happened in the 73rd minute! Bonsegundo came so close for Argentina and delivered the first shot on goal for her team! It’s just delightful to see Underdogs challenge the food chain!!!79th minute saw substitution of Benitez by CORONEL, the oldest squad member of Argentina standing strong at 47 years! Respect!
81st minute and we got to see another if Banini-Sole run ups to the Enemy’s Gates! ;)It will not be wrong to say that they will deliver very, very soon. If not in this match, definitely later!Iwabuchi threatened the Argentine line in the 88th minute but the defense just doesn’t let her through!
Ahhh!!! 1st minute of added time and there was a riot in the box! Japanese players flood the box, Correa saves, substitute Takarada gets it back and finally the ball is cleared away! Argentina jumped back and once again Banini led the attack in the next minute. The second half saw Japan’s emulate Argentina a bit as they flocked the opponents!
Aaaaaannnnnnddddd, Argentina has done it!!!! They absolutely killed it in this match and won a MASSIVE POINT! They never doubted themselves, never backed down, never gave up!
The first half saw Argentina fall back at every threat, the second half saw them take every chance!
The first half saw a Japan taken by surprise, the second showed a glimpse of what they can do with their attack!
Two Teams. Two Ideas. Two Powers.
Japan will have to buckle up and get going. England and Scotland will be no easier!
FINAL : Arg 0-0 Japan
All the views above are author’s own. They are not meant to offend anyone. This is not an official coverage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019. The author owns no rights in this tournament.
Trailblazers! 
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