Wellington’s Sky Stadium is the venue for Saturday’s last-16 showdown between Japan and Norway in the Women’s World Cup.
Japan cruised through the group stage with a 100% record to finish three points clear of Spain in Group B, securing a famous victory over Spain in the process.
Putting in the work 💪#FIFAWWC #sterkeresammen pic.twitter.com/sGUFjdrCm6— Fotballandslaget (@nff_landslag) July 23, 2023
Putting in the work 💪#FIFAWWC #sterkeresammen pic.twitter.com/sGUFjdrCm6
Over in Group A, an inconsistent Norway outfit recorded one win, one draw and one loss, finishing behind Switzerland while advancing on goal difference.
Japan kicked off their campaign with a 5-0 thrashing of Zambia, racking up 60% possession and 25 shots while preventing the African side from registering a single attempt on target.
Following a dominant 2-0 victory over Costa Rica in the second match, the Japanese crushed Spain 4-0, thanks largely to a brace from Hinanta Miyazawa.
Despite seeing just 22% of the ball against the Spaniards, Japan made the most of their opportunities and remained clinical throughout the match.
Not only have the Japanese scored 11 goals so far, but they have also kept three clean sheets, highlighting their strength at both ends of the pitch.
On the flip side, Norway suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to New Zealand on the opening day of the tournament, despite notching 13 shots.
The Norwegians then played out a goalless draw with Switzerland before finding their form against the Philippines, thrashing the Asian side 6-0 last time out.
Sophie Roman Haug netted a hat-trick as Norway crushed the Philippines, while the European outfit racked up 72% possession and 31 shots.
Norway won the World Cup back in 1995 but have failed to make it past the round of 16 in each of the previous three editions of the tournament. Can they buck that trend this year?
Head-to-head: Japan and Norway have faced each other eight times over the years, with the Japanese triumphing on five occasions
It is also worth noting that Norway have managed to win just one of their previous six meetings with Japan, conceding 14 goals along the way.
Team news: Japan star Miyazawa Hinata leads the Golden Boot race with four goals, while Tanaka Mina and Riko Ueki both have two goals and one assist.
On the flip side, Norway forward Sophie Roman Haug will be looking to add to her tally after scoring a hat-trick last time out.
Japan have been one of the best teams at the Women’s World Cup so far, but Norway’s experience could make all the difference this weekend.
Forebet predicts that Norway will score over 4.5 goals and keep a clean sheet on their way to reaching the quarter-finals at the expense of Japan.