Japan routs Mexico at 2011 World Cup: A fan’s reaction

Posted Saturday, July 02, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Japan assured itself a spot in the quarterfinals of the FIFA Women's World Cup with a 4-0 slap to the hopes of Mexico.

The game left no question as to who would be named "Player of the Match." With her treble leading scoring, team captain Homare Sawa was the hero of the day.

Sawa opened scoring in the 13th minute, and it was followed just 2 minutes later by a strike from the only other person in the match to score, Shinobu Ohno. The two quick goals put Mexico to its heels, and it never really recovered. By the half, Japan had gone up 3-nil.

Japan were superior on attack and on defense, and especially overpowering at midfield. The possession was kept in the Mexico territory, or near in the midfield, for most of the game. Mexico didn't have the opportunity to set up chances on goal very often.

The Mexico defense was weak in front of goalkeeper Cecilia Santiago, and the 16-year-old sensation ended up being caught out of position a couple of times, perhaps trying to shoulder too much.

With her hat trick, Sawa's 78 goals made her Japan's top international scorer, male or female. It's her fifth time playing in a World Cup.

Looking ahead without being overconfident

Japan was elated after the win, but coach Norio Sasaki had some cautioning words after the match.

"It's an honor to be counted among the contenders for the final winner, but we need to go step by step. We are continuously improving. It's an ongoing process and we would like to get even better."

The match was the second 4-0 win in two days, coming after France demolished Canada by the same score yesterday. Outside of those two games, the World Cup so far has seen mostly tight games with close scores.

With Japan the likely Group B winner, it may face France in the quarters. If Group A goes to Germany and France is in the No. 2 spot, it will play the B winner. If France pulls off an upset over Germany, Japan will get the defending champions. Either way, Sasaki is doing the right thing cautioning his side about getting too excited before what will be a challenging quarterfinal match.

After drawing with England and now losing to Japan, Mexico is in danger of elimination. England plays New Zealand later today in Group B play. Japan will close out group play July 5 against England, while Mexico faces New Zealand.