England Women's World Cup Jodie Taylor
Jun 27, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; England forward Jodie Taylor (19) reacts with midfielder Jill Scott (8) after scoring against Canada during the first half in the quarterfinals of the FIFA 2015 Women's World Cup at BC Place Stadium. REUTERS/Matt Kryger-USA TODAY Sports

The other half of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup semifinals will be completed on Wednesday to challenge US Women’s National Team for the world title. Japan looks to get their second straight finals appearance while England sets to make history anew upon getting the final slot of the championship.

England are unbeaten in their three previous matches against Japan with one victory and two draws, and the only team to defeat Japan at Germany in 2011 winning 2-0 in the group stage. Despite losing to the Lioness in the group round, Japan appeared victorious and claimed the world crown. England coach Mark Sampson is well aware of what lies in their match against the reigning champs saying that his team knew the huge task, but feels there is a “sense of purpose” that will let them find ways to be the last team to go home. Sampson also pointed the contrast in style when they play Japan in the semifinals.

“We’ll have to appreciate and respect the quality they’ve got technically. But we’ve got some half-decent players technically ourselves. We’ve upset the apple cart so far. We know we’ve made life very difficult for every one of or our opponents. And that’ll be our intention tomorrow,” Sampson said as per Daily Mail.

The sixth-ranked England, coming off a 2-1 win over host Canada, is just two wins away from being world champions, but Japan posts a threat greater than England’s previous matches. The Nadeshiko maintained their swift ball-movement and mental strength to claim an impressive five successive one-goal victories. Coach Norio Sasaki’s side had displayed all throughout the tournament its winning ways by getting early goals and having comfortable second-half performances. However, they were put to test by the Australians when it took them 87 minutes before coming up with a goal off a goalmouth scramble. Even though Japan has never beaten England since Sasaki took charge in 2008, the Japanese coach is strongly convinced his players are better than the Lioness.

“I don’t think the players are overconfident. But it seems that the coach is overconfident because we lost last time. In terms of the stamina, both teams will have a tough game. But even with the conditions, I think the Japanese players are superior,” Sasaki said through a translator via STLToday.com.

The match between Japan and England may not be as electric as USA-Germany, but it is going to be an interesting matchup. Both teams are trying to prove they are still relevant in the tournament with Japan looking for another title, while England tries to make history. Whoever wins, it is certain they will play the role of an underdog against USA’s wall of defense.