The defending World Cup champions from Japan will begin their quest to repeat on Monday in Vancouver against a Switzerland side which also believes that it can get out of Group E and into the quarterfinals of this tournament.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Japanese aren't going to fool anyone this time around after pulling off stunning upset after stunning upset in the World Cup in 2011 en route to the title. They're still probably not respected the way that they should be though, and that's why they are only -1 on the Asian handicap in this duel.
You can actually get Switzerland at a light price of +450 on the moneyline, which many in the sport believe is just amazingly too low.
The total is fairly high by women's soccer standards at 2.5 (over -140).
QUOTE TO NOTE
"I wanted to put on that blue shirt again. I wanted to fight for the Hinomaru again. I want to be involved in as many goals as possible. I've got the most experience on the team, so I hope I can help the team settle in Canada." – Japan midfielder Homare Sawa, who will be playing in her sixth consecutive World Cup for her country
RECENT FORM
The bag of results has been rather mixed for Japan of late. The team did play two matches against Canada last October, winning them 3-0 and 3-2, two results to truly be proud of, especially on enemy soil. The Algarve Cup though, was a bit of a disappointment. Yes, the Japanese ladies beat Portugal, but losing to both Denmark and France was a huge shock. In their last preps, the Samurai Blue beat New Zealand and Italy at home.
Switzerland had never qualified for a major tournament before this one, so this should be a bit of culture shock at this point for the European nation. Amazingly though, the Swiss went through their qualifying group for the World Cup with a 9-1-0 mark, easily the best in Europe.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Switzerland outscored its foes 53-1 in qualifying, but this is a much different stage to play on against Japan. Yes, the Swiss have become a physical bunch, while Lara Dickenmann, one of the best female soccer player in Ohio State's history, has brought to the side a great scoring prowess, but we're just not sure this club is there yet.
Japan has a lot of history and experience on its side, and bringing back not just Sawa at the age of 36, but Aya Miyama and Nahomi Kawasumi up front as well could make for a lethal threesome.
Japanese coach Norio Sasaki has built this team into a powerhouse with a very basic 4-4-2 system, but the bottom line is that his club doesn't beat itself. There is a little bit of European tiki-taka play in this Japan side, as the ball moves very quickly around the pitch. That speed is going to prove to be too much for the Swiss to overcome, as their first taste of the World Cup in their history is going to end up being a defeat.
Japan 3, Switzerland 1
The women's World Cup lines for this contest were first released by BookMaker Sportsbook with Japan lined as a -140 moneyline favorite and a total of 2.5 (over -140). Since this game can be seen by anyone with a TV, BookMaker will have a multitude of wagering options available for it. Outside of the normal lines, you can gamble on real-time moneylines, spreads and totals. Live betting is open during every step of this match!
Need to fund your account before the big game but don’t have your computer? No problem! BookMaker Sportsbook now offers a mobile betting cashier so you can deposit money directly from your smartphone. Don’t miss out on getting paid because you couldn’t bet. Click here and deposit at BookMaker now! The fixture between Japan and Switzerland is scheduled for Monday, June 8, 2015 at 10:00 p.m. ET at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The match will be televised live on FOX Sports 1.
