Edmonton, Canada---Champions Japan face a real threat from England as the Asian giants look to keep their Women's World Cup title defence on track in Wednesday's semi-final in Edmonton.
Japan's 'Nadeshiko' are the only unbeaten team left after opening their campaign with a 1-0 win over Switzerland three weeks ago in the sunshine of Vancouver's west coast.
England by contrast started their quest for a maiden title with a 1-0 loss to France in windy and wet conditions on the east in Moncton.
But England's 'Lionesses' have been gaining momentum, beating Mexico, Colombia, 1995 champions Norway and hosts Canada all by 2-1 scorelines, to reach their first semi-finals.
Japan overran Australia 1-0 in the quarter-finals and have won all their games by a one-goal margin with the impressive depth of their team demonstrated by their seven goals having come from different players.
The 'Nadeshiko' defence is also solid -- they have conceded just two goals in five matches.
But England's front line have put in eight goals with Lucy Bronze and Karen Carney both scoring twice.
- no longer underdogs -
England coach Mark Sampson believes his sixth-ranked side can take heart from being unbeaten against the Japanese, ranked fourth, in their three previous matches.
England were the only team to beat Japan at the 2011 World Cup, winning 2-0 before the Asian side went on to claim the title. They also played out a 2-2 draw in 2007 tournament.
"I'm not sure there are underdogs anymore," said Sampson.
"They've been one of the most exciting teams to watch, they haven't scored many goals but they havent conceded many, we're playing the current world champions, it's going to be a huge challenge."
Japan coach Norio Sasaki brushed aside talk of past results.
"We will not think of negative past results just focus on those on front of us," he said.
But Bronze warned: "Japan are the favourites, we know that, but we're confident. We know how we can beat them. England are going all the way!"
Sampson is hopeful goalie Karen Bardsley will be fit after leaving the quarter-final against Canada in the second half with swelling under her right eye, and being replaced by Siobhan Chamberlain.
Bardsley has started each of England's five games and conceded a goal in each.
AFP
