Lost in the hoopla of the Brazil-Mexico match for the gold medal is the fact that Japan and Korea will still be facing off for the Bronze on Friday August 10 at 2:45 p.m. EDT.
This particular match is interesting in the sense that both teams are competitng for a medal, but the attention on them has shifted and the stakes of the match are lessened. These third place teams tend to take on unexpected paths and directions as oftentimes the team with their aim at the gold is overwhelmed by an underdog who simply wants to win something.
Japan
Japan was the team to beat until that actually happened against Mexico. And the result was not a tight one as Japan unraveled after taking a quick 1-0 lead in the 12th minute. They are the favorites here, but may be emotional drained after an upsetting game they let get away.
Key Player: Yuki Otsu. The striker has been incredibly consistent for the Samurai and needs to use whatever he has left in the tank to propel his squad to the third place bronze medal.
Korea
The Koreans looked primed to disappoint an underwhelming Brazilian squad, but they looked to be overwhelmed. After blowing a few early opportunities, Korea collapsed into a poor performance that saw their hopes of gold dashed in a 3-0 loss. They are more than capable of dominating Japan as both teams are likely to play an aggressive open game.
Key Player: Park Chuyoung. More was expected from the striker than just one goal. His inconsistent and often ineffective play has not allowed the potent Korean offense to explode. He will need to step up if a bronze is to be attainable.
Japan Will Win If...
If they forget how thoroughly Mexico dominated them and simply go back to a free flowing style that got them to the semi-finals. Korea finally imploded defensively and Japan has been the better offensive team in the tournament.
Korea Will Win If...
They put the pressure on Japan as did they did against Great Britain. They are less complete a team than the Samurais so grit will win this match for them.
Prediction: I haven't picked an upset thus far so I will give this to Korea 3-2 in what should be a wide open free flowing match.
Read Why Mexico Will Win the Final HERE.
Read Why Brazil Wiil WIn the Final HERE.