World Cup last-16: Japan vs Norway – Match preview, live stream, kick-off time, prediction, team news, lineups
Saturday 5 August will see some really big games in the 2023 Women’s World Cup – as favourites to win the tournament Japan face Norway.
Kicking off the knockout stages is Switzerland vs Spain (06:00, Auckland) with Japan vs Norway (09:00, Wellington).
- Match 50: Japan vs Norway (09:00, Wellington) – ITV
- 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup fixtures for Saturday 5 August
Match preview
Japan is one of few who cruised through the group stages without dropping a point, while Norway required a win over the Philippines in their final group game to secure a place in the last-16.
Whilst Japan are the favourite to win the match, this world cup has seen plenty of upsets. We predict they’ll be lots of goals and it’ll be an entertaining match.
Japan preview
Japan topped Group C with all nine points, while Norway came in second in Group A with four points.
Japan – along with England and Sweden – collected all nine points from the group stages. They have proven to be one of the standout teams so far.
In their game against Spain, Japan only has 23% possession but was still able to win 4-0. They are clinical in the counterattack and disciplined.
Japan have scored more goal than any other team so far and are one of only three teams who have not yet conceded, ensuring they are heading into the last-16 with the utmost confidence.
Norway preview
Norway’s 2023 World Cup campaign has been a little more complicated. They suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to co-hosts New Zealand in their opening match.
A frustrating goalless draw with Switzerland followed, leaving Norway requiring a win from their final game against the Philippines to advance to the last-16
But they managed to bounce back with a 6-0 win over the Philippines – ending a six-game winless run.
Norway are preparing to make their eighth appearance in the knockout rounds of the Women’s World Cup.
They are hoping to reach the quarter-finals in consecutive Women’s World Cups after beating Australia on penalties to advance to the last eight in France four years ago.
Team News
Yui Hasegawa and Tanaka dropped down to the bench for Monday’s victory, but they are both expected to be recalled for the last-16 tie.
Miyazawa is the joint-highest scorer at the tournament, and she will be looking to add to her three-goal tally when she features in the forward line on Saturday.
As for Norway, Maren Mjelde will resume her central defensive partnership with Mathilde Harviken, and they will be hoping to help their country keep a third consecutive sheet.
Manchester United’s Vilde Boe Risa will continue to operate in a midfield three alongside Frida Maanum and Reiten.
After marking her first start of the tournament with a hat trick, Roman Haug will retain her place in the forward line.
Japan Women possible starting lineup:
Yamashita; Takahashi, Kumagai, Minami; Shimizu, Hayashi, Hasegawa, Endo; Miyazawa, Naomoto, Tanaka
Norway Women possible starting lineup:
Mikalsen; Bjelde, Mjelde, Harviken, Hansen; Maanum, Boe Risa, Reiten; Hansen, Haavi, Haug
WTX Sport predicts Japan wins 2-0.