The semi-finals get started with a tilt of great heavyweights. Japan and Mexico have gotten to the tournament via differing routes and both will test their qualities on Tuesday.
Kick-off Date and Time:
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
5:00 PM London Time
12:00 PM EDT
Japan
Winning a group that consists of Spain, Morocco, and Honduras and unloading on a potent Egyptian squad would make anyone a favorite for Olympic Gold. That is exactly what has happened to the Samurais who were expected to have moderate success but are now contenders for the title.
Throw in the fact that they are the only squad without conceding and their offense is finally kicking into gear and we may have a giant ready to wake up.
Key Player: Yuki Otsu. With the injury to Kensuke Nagai, Japan's dynamic duo up top has been cut in half. Otsu has two goals thus far and will be counted on to trouble Mexico's offense time and again.
Mexico
Seen as favorites early one but not always exhibiting that quality, Mexico had an offensive explosion against a solid Senegal squad. More importantly, Giovanni Dos Santos was not called upon to do everything as four different players tallied a goal. Mexico did finally concede two goals after a perfect defensive output in the group stage and the manner in which the goals were conceded may be more cause for concern then the fact that they allowed the goals. Two times Senegal beat Mexico in the air, a strategy that Japanese are likely to exploit. More importantly, the goals were conceded when Mexico had a comfortable 2-0 lead with under 30 minutes to play.
Key Player: Marco Fabian. Dos Santos has been brilliant thus far, but Fabian has not. He was supposed to be one of the two major scorers for this squad but has yet to produce. He looked better against Senegal but much more is expected from the young striker. If he is on his game, it will make the Japanese task more difficult. If he is not, then Japan can make like Switzerland and hone in on Dos Santos to limit Mexico's abilities.
Japan Will Win If...
They slow down the match and control possession. The strategy kept the Spanish at bay and should work against Mexico. If Mexico does not have possession, their game plan becomes nullified. Japan does not have the skill level of Mexico. But grit and determination are all that is necessary for the Samurai to prevail.
Mexico Will Win If...
They play with heart. They can run at Japan and control possession to render Japan's offensive strategy useless, but if they play the lifeless soccer that has been a staple of their play in this tournament, then Japan simply needs to up the intensity and should win with ease. Mexico has a slight edge in talent but not by much.
Prediction: The Samurais have been to consistent to ignore. A 3-2 victory will be theirs. They will finally concede, but their will and determination will be enough to frustrate Mexico.