2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup – Argentina vs Japan Prediction & Preview
THE FACTS
When is Argentina vs Japan taking place? Monday 10th June 2019 – 17:00 (UK)
Where is Argentina vs Japan taking place? Parc des Princes, Paris
What television channel is Argentina vs Japan on? BBC Two
Where can I stream Argentina vs Japan? UK users can stream this match via BBC iPlayer
Where can I get tickets for Argentina vs Japan? https://www.fifa.com/womensworldcup/organisation/ticketing/
THE TEAM NEWS
ARGENTINA
- Argentina will take part in their first FIFA Women’s World Cup for 12 years but a lack of preparation for this tournament could result in an early exit for the team ranked 37th in the world.
- After the team were disbanded after the 2015 Pan America Games, almost 1000 days of inactivity followed before they reconvened to qualify for this competition despite a lack of game time as a team.
- The Argentines have it all to do to progress from their group that contains three teams ranked inside the top 20 in the world but one player who could prove crucial to their chances is rising star Milagros Menendez.
JAPAN
- There are still remnants from the Japan side that claimed the Women’s World Cup in 2011 and they will be backed up by some younger players following successes at Under 17s and Under 20s in the last five years.
- The world’s number seven ranked team have a good blend of youth and experience but they do not look as strong as when they claimed the title in 2011 and will need to become more clinical in front of goal if they are to pose a real threat.
- One player who could help the Japanese in front of goal is Kumi Yokoyama whilst Emi Nakajima will also be important with her deliveries from set-pieces likely to cause problems.
THE PREDICTION
Japan are former World Cup winners and despite being ranked seventh in the world, they look short of quality throughout their squad to win the tournament again in France. They should progress to the knockout stages but how far they go will depend on their ability in front of goal. They begin their 2019 campaign with a game against Argentina which could present a good chance for them to prove some of their doubters wrong in what should be a simple win for the Japanese.
