Japan
2011 World Cup Champions and 2015 World Cup Runners Up, Japan can truly cement themselves as one of the greatest teams of this generation with victory in France. With a large squad turnover, Japan are looking more youthful than ever and will be looking to establish themselves on the World Stage. Regardless of what Matildas fans might say, the Samurai Blue are the kings of Asian football as the current Asian Cup holders.
Japan’s main problem is the group they have drawn, as their relatively simple first fixture against Argentina makes way for important matches against hungry newcomers Scotland and football powerhouse England. A recent run of fixtures against strong World Cup nations will prove vital for the Japanese, however a recent 3-0 loss to the English will be detrimental to their confidence levels coming into that fixture game day 3. If Japan can fulfil their potential and knock off at least Scotland, then they may be able to go deep into the tournament. However if they come out of their group in third place then a fixture against the Germans looms large, which, despite a recent draw against the World no.2, will likely will be the end of them.
PREDICTION: Group: 3rd Overall: Round of 16
Fact: Japanese captain Saki Kumagai recently achieved the excellent milestone of 100 appearances for her national team, which truly cements her place as one of the best footballers around. However one thing she would be hoping to add to this milestone is a goal, as the midfielder does not have a recorded goal in her 10+ years for her national side.
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