The match
Zambia face a daunting challenge in their first-ever game at a FIFA Women’s World Cup™ as they come up against Japan, who lifted the trophy at the 2011 tournament in Germany.
The Nadeshiko come to this World Cup fresh off the back of a 5-0 rout of Panama in a friendly played in Miyagi, Japan, last week. Dynamic midfielder Yui Hasegawa scored twice and up-and-coming midfielder Aoba Fujino slotted her first goal for the national side in a performance brimming with positives.
Zambia also will be full of confidence ahead of their opening game. The Copper Queens demonstrated during an impressive 3-2 victory over powerhouse Germany in a friendly earlier this month that they will be a formidable opponent.
In what is shaping up to be a fascinating Group C encounter at Waikato Stadium, Japan will be eager to get their quest for a second World Cup title off to a winning start, but Zambia will also fancy their chances of springing a surprise.
Team news
Zambia are determined to make a splash at the World Cup, and coach Bruce Mwape has not been shy about talking up his team’s prospects. After being grouped with Japan, Spain and Costa Rica, Mwape bullishly said, “For me, this is the time to show the world that we can play any team in the World Cup. [After the draw] I looked at the teams and thought to myself, ‘We can still make it to the next round’.”
Mwape employs a 4-3-3 formation spearheaded by world-class forward Barbra Banda. Striker Racheal Kundananji, who plays for Real Madrid, also provides an attacking threat from the wing and has an appetite for goals.
Several key Japanese players have been under an injury cloud in the lead-up to the World Cup. Forward Maika Hamano injured her left shoulder and has been unable to participate in any training sessions, while defender Rion Ishikawa and forward Remina Chiba remain in doubt for the opening game.
Coach Futoshi Ikeda has switched to a formation featuring three central defenders since October 2022, which has added some steel to the defence and also unleashed a greater attacking intent that was most evident during the pre-tournament game against Panama. With a heavy sprinkling of attack-minded young players throughout the squad, the Nadeshiko will be looking to find the net from the first whistle.
Players to watch
Barbra Banda (Zambia)
Zambia’s first professional female football player, Barbra Banda’s goal-scoring prowess will go a long way to determining her homeland’s fortunes at the World Cup. Banda announced herself on the international stage when she became the first female player to score back-to-back hat-tricks at the Olympics when she achieved the feat at the Tokyo Games.
As indicated by her comment of “I want to leave a mark, my own name, my own record book,” the 23-year-old sharpshooter will be looking to make further history in New Zealand and Australia.
Yui Hasegawa (Japan)
Midfielder Yui Hasegawa has become an invaluable member of the Japanese national team at both ends of the pitch. Her reputation has only been enhanced since a move last year to Manchester City, where her defensive qualities in particular have been on full display. These attributes, combined with her natural attacking instincts, make Hasegawa a complete player and the heartbeat of the Nadeshiko.
Capped 67 times for Japan, the 26-year-old pocket-sized dynamo will be appearing at her second World Cup. Her experience will be crucial to Japan’s chances at this global showpiece.
Facts and figures
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This is Zambia’s first appearance at a Women’s World Cup. They placed third at last year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
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Zambia made their Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games that were held in 2021. The Copper Queens scored seven goals in their three matches, but they conceded 15 and were eliminated at the group stage.
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Barbra Banda became the first female player to score back-to-back hat-tricks at the Olympics. Zambia will be counting on Banda to also regularly find the net at the World Cup.
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Japan have never missed a Women’s World Cup, having been present at every edition since 1991.
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The Nadeshiko are the only nation to have won a FIFA Women’s World Cup™, FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™ and FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™.
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They won the 2011 World Cup held in Germany and are the only Asian team to have been crowned world champions.
Quotes
“Our team has been building up to this World Cup, and now it’s finally here. I often play as a lone striker, so while it’s vital that I stay up front, I think it’s also important that I combine well with a shadow striker. Winning is our team’s biggest goal. Of course, I also want to score, and that can help the team. I’ll be looking to get on the scoresheet, but I’ll also need to keep an eye on my opponents and adapt to what happens on the pitch.
Mina Tanaka, Japan forward
