Japan relies on meticulous system at World Cup

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP)—Planning and meticulous execution is everything in Japanese football. So when the players fall behind in a game, there is a system to rely on, a belief there is a way back to victory.

As a result, Japan is in its first World Cup final and its quick passing play—which has earned it praise as the women’s version of Barcelona—could well pose a stiff test for the favored United States.

Coach Norio Sasaki has been planning Japan’s rise since the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He said “in Beijing, we finished fourth and, at the time, it was our intention. This time we said, lets go to the final.”