FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Amy Chapman says Japan, not USA are tournament favourites

For so long, USA has been the dominant country in women’s football. But an underwhelming World Cup group stage has signalled a changing of the guard, writes AMY CHAPMAN.

Japan cruised through its group with counter attacking brilliance. Picture: Marty MELVILLE / AFP.

USA’s three-peat is looking very unlikely with their phenomenal team being overshadowed by a surprise nation.

Having won the 2019 and 2015 World Cups, the Americans were the red-hot favourites again — but that was before the games kicked off.

The USA women failed to deliver their famous clinical performances, finishing second in their pool with two draws and a win.

While the hot favourites have struggled, outsider Japan has stunned all of its opponents.

Japan has been one of the dominant sides at the World Cup so far. Picture: Marty MELVILLE / AFP.

They have been relentless in the group stage, winning all three games including a 4-0 drubbing of World No. 6 team Spain.

The technical prowess, ball skills and movement on display from the Japanese have been second to none and they have been devastatingly clinical in front of goal.

With a 71.41 per cent shot accuracy and less than 25 per cent possession, Japan’s game plan has been a tactician’s masterclass.

But its impressive performances should not come as a surprise given they have dominated the recent youth world cups with two second places and a first — the future looks very bright for Japan.

Their star has been Hinata Miyazawa who is currently leading the golden boot race with four goals (and one assist).

Colombia and England have also impressed this tournament, with the help of some x-factor stars.

USA legend Megan Rapinoe after her side edged into the last 16. Picture: Buda Mendes/Getty Images.

Lauren James has been unstoppable for the Lionesses scoring three goals and three assists.

Teenage sensation Linda Caicedo, 18, has been an outstanding for Colombia — scoring one of the goals of the tournament so far against Germany.

Caicedo made her national team debut aged 15 but was diagnosed with ovarian cancer that same year.

She was back playing after six months of chemotherapy and surgery.

The star joined Real Madrid this year, scoring two goals and four assists in just 10 games.

Caicedo is sure to have more to offer this World Cup.

The goal of the #FIFAWWC so far? 😱

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TEAMS UNDERPERFORMED

Canada, Korea Republic and China have failed to impress this World Cup.

Canada, the Olympic champions, bowed out after being beaten 4-0 by an impressive Australian side. They were targeting more silverware but just struggled to perform.

After taking out the Asian Championships, China were at least expected to progress past the group stage. But after a convincing 6-1 loss against England they have been bundled out.

The Chinese have been a dominant force for women’s football for decades.

Although they have struggled in the past 10 years, their youth teams have performed strongly and after winning the Asian Championships, they would have expected to go beyond the group stage.

LOOKING AHEAD

Four round of 16 clashes have been confirmed with more to be finalised on Wednesday night.

Switzerland will have to work hard to trump tournament favourites Spain.

Australia should be too hot for Denmark to handle.

If Japan keep their form they shouldn’t have too much trouble against Norway.

England should be able to get the edge over Nigeria.

Originally published as FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Amy Chapman says Japan, not USA are tournament favourites