U.S. Women Meet Japan; Semis At Stake

In five previous meetings, the U.S. women’s soccer team has outscored Japan 19-3. That doesn’t comfort American coach Tony DiCicco going into today’s quarterfinal in the Women’s World Cup.

“I think Japan may have been the country since 1991 that has put more effort into women’s football than any other country in the world,” DiCicco said Monday.

“The level of their play has gone up tremendously. It will be a difficult game.”

The U.S. was 2-0-1 in the first round, edging China on goal difference to win its group. The winner of today’s game plays Norway or Denmark in the semifinals.

“Japan has given teams some headaches in this tournament,” U.S. forward Mia Hamm said.

Forward Michelle Akers, who sustained a mild concussion and a banged up right knee just six minutes into the U.S. opener against China, has been cleared to play by the doctors.