The clock is ticking, preparations are in full swing, and the atmosphere is tense than ever for the USWNT vs Japan. Both sides are squaring off today for the final Match Day 3 of the SheBelieves Cup. It’s a do-or-die situation for the American ladies, as they must secure a decisive victory to deny Japan the silverware. As if the pressure wasn’t already high, Emma Hayes couldn’t have picked a more crucial moment to make a bold statement about her upcoming opponents.

To break the ice, things won’t be easy for the 4X World Champions. The English tactician is aware of what her team can expect against Nadeshiko Japan. Emma Hayes made the admission during the pre-match interview, in which she drew parallels between her rivals’ style of play and that of her own team.

“It’s fair to say Japan, as a team, are more played in together than we are,” said Hayes, courtesy of JER-Sports Journalist. “Their connections and the application of their way of playing will probably be more pronounced than ours. But that’s not to say we can’t have success.”

What would seem a better question to ask is how Hayes would like to line up her side. Given the experience that Japan possesses, one might think that she may end up going with a well-versed starting XI. However, this is the least of what the 48-year-old is thinking. The former Chelsea boss is rather keen to focus more on the tactical nuances of the game.

“It doesn’t matter if you have 150 plus caps or your third cap; it’s about us playing our way and our style with our principles to execute that at another level, which is what this game will be. So I expect it to be a very, very difficult match for; difficult in a different way from the Olympics because Japan have shifted from playing five at the back to four,” emphasized Hayes.

The USWNT boss noted that Japan will commit more of its numbers to go forward just beyond the transition situations. Hence, she urged her side to be “extremely disciplined,” not just when they have possession but especially when they don’t have the ball. “We have to make the impact in the way that we know best,” concluded Hayes.

Honestly, we aren’t surprised with Hayes’ pre-match tactical analysis. This entire SheBelieves Cup campaign serves as proof of how challenging Japan will make things for the hosts. They have been on a goal-scoring spree, securing dominant 4-0 and 4-1 victories over Australia and Colombia. Interestingly, this is exactly double the scoreline by which the USWNT have earned their two wins against the Matildas and Las Cafeteras.

That’s why, despite equal points tally, both sides have been separated by a goal difference of four. And Japan’s biggest weapon is Mina Takana, who tops the goal scoring charts with four goals. Stopping her would be the biggest challenge for the American ladies. Then again, for Hayes, this final SheBelieves Cup showdown is hardly about winning the silverware!

Emma Hayes isn’t solely focused on winning the SheBelieves Cup

Well, would it be too wrong to put it that way, because the matter of fact is that Hayes isn’t focused on lifting the cup. She is rather looking at this opportunity as a way of building a future. That has been the whole point of the tournament for the host nation, after all. In fact, call it a way for the less experienced players to get opportunities. Playing in a tournament setting would help wonders to their confidence.

Not to mention that it also streamlines the process for the coaching staff to scout players who can deliver on big occasions. “On the front end, there won’t be perfection in performance. But as long as we’re progressing then that’s what our aims are. Our focus is to stay focused on that and not to just solely look at the results column,” emphasized Hayes in an interview.

Today’s game is one in which many ardent fans hope that USWNT not only wins the game but lifts the title as well. However, failure to do so will barely affect Hayes or her team. After all, it’s the process they are more focused on. Regardless, share your views in the comments.