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The anticipation is high as the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) prepares to face Japan in the opening match of the 2024 SheBelieves Cup. This highly anticipated event, presented by Visa, marks the first major competition for the USWNT since their victory at the Concacaf W Gold Cup earlier this year. As fans eagerly await the clash between these two soccer powerhouses, let’s delve into the details of this exciting matchup and what to expect from both teams.
SheBelieves Cup Format
The SheBelieves Cup has undergone a slight format change for the 2024 edition due to adjustments in the FIFA calendar. Instead of the usual six games over three match days, this year’s tournament will feature four games over two match days. The first day will host the semifinal matches, with the winners advancing to the Championship Game, while the second day will feature the Third-Place Match and the Championship Game.
Venue and Record Crowds
The stage is set at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, a venue known for its vibrant atmosphere and enthusiastic crowds. With over 47,000 fans expected to attend, this match is poised to break records for SheBelieves Cup attendance and could potentially set a new record for the largest home crowd in USWNT history.
30 seconds is all it takes for Japan’s Kiko Seike to take the lead vs. USWNT.
— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 6, 2024
Woah 💨
Watch the match on TNT/Max 📺 pic.twitter.com/RlRAa7USJa
Teams in Focus
Both the USA and Japan enter the SheBelieves Cup as formidable contenders. Ranked #4 and #7 respectively in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, these teams boast rich histories and talented rosters. Japan, led by head coach Futoshi Ikeda, brings a youthful squad to the tournament, featuring players from top clubs across Europe and Japan. Meanwhile, the USWNT, under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Emma Hayes, showcases a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents eager to make their mark on the international stage.
Key Matchup: USA vs. Japan
Series History
The upcoming clash will mark the 40th meeting between the USA and Japan, with the USWNT holding a commanding lead in the all-time series. However, Japan has proven to be a formidable opponent in recent years, with both teams sharing a rich history of intense battles on the field.
Players to Watch
For the USWNT, all eyes will be on forward Alex Morgan, who has a remarkable record against Japan, netting 12 goals in 15 appearances. Supported by a talented roster including Alyssa Naeher, Lindsey Horan, and Crystal Dunn, the USWNT aims to maintain their dominance over Japan and secure a crucial victory in the semifinal.
Meanwhile, Japan looks to their experienced players such as Saki Kumagai and Mina Tanaka to lead the charge against the USWNT. With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, Japan poses a significant threat to the defending SheBelieves Cup champions.
Conclusion: A Clash of Titans
As the USWNT and Japan prepare to face off in the 2024 SheBelieves Cup semifinal, soccer fans around the world eagerly await a thrilling matchup between two of the sport’s most storied teams. With both sides boasting exceptional talent and a hunger for victory, expect nothing short of an electrifying display of soccer prowess on the field.
FAQ
What is the significance of the SheBelieves Cup for women’s soccer?
The SheBelieves Cup serves as a platform to inspire and empower women and girls in soccer and beyond. It showcases top-tier competition and promotes gender equality in sports.
How has the SheBelieves Cup format changed for the 2024 edition?
The 2024 SheBelieves Cup features a revised format with four games over two match days, as opposed to the usual six games over three match days. This change aims to accommodate adjustments in the FIFA calendar.
Who are some key players to watch in the USA vs. Japan matchup?
Key players for the USWNT include Alex Morgan, Alyssa Naeher, Lindsey Horan, and Crystal Dunn. For Japan, players like Saki Kumagai and Mina Tanaka are expected to make significant contributions.
