Japan, USA share spotlight
vancouver — Heavyweights Japan and the United States look to keep their title push on track at the Women’s World Cup on Friday but must share the spotlight with African challengers Cameroon and Nigeria. As the second round of group games continue across Canada, holders Japan next come up against a Cameroon side in Group C in Vancouver who are bouyed by their stunning 6-0 defeat of Ecuador in their opener.
Japan won their opener against Switzerland 1-0 but have been hit by the injury of striker Kozue Ando who has been ruled out of the rest of the competition with a fractured ankle. Ando, 32, who has played more than 100 times for the “Nadeshiko”, was fouled by the Swiss goalkeeper and forced off the pitch.
“She had played for the team a long time as well as 2011 (World Cup),” said forward Yuki Ogimi. “It is a great loss for us but we will play for her and she will be with us in spirit.” Veteran Homare Sawa, who won her 200th cap against Switzerland, said they were wary of the Africans. “I think they are very strong,” said the 36-year-old. “They have high individual skills. The African teams are now more organised an less erratic.”
Switzerland and Ecuador look for their first points in their Group C clash in Vancouver.
In Group D in Winnipeg, the United States, two-time winners and boosted by all three points in their opening match against Australia 3-1, face Sweden, who drew 3-3 with Nigeria.
African champions Nigeria next take on Australia with both sides desperate for all three points to keep their hopes alive.