Women's World Cup: Japan-Netherlands TV times and open thread

The defending Women’s World Cup champions take on the Netherlands tonight for the chance to advance to the quarter-finals.

Although Japan dominated Group C with three wins, they are still not viewed as a tournament favorite and are most likely hoping to change that with a clear and concise victory over a Netherlands team in their first World Cup.

Here’s the TV schedule for tonight’s game:

Japan v. Netherlands
10 PM ET – FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports GO and FOX Soccer 2GO
BC Place Stadium – Vancouver

Despite going undefeated thus far in the Women’s World Cup, Japan has struggled throughout their games in a relatively easy Group C. Between injuries and off-field drama, Japan has struggled to show any real glimpses of their former championship team. They will need to step up and use their experience to their advantage tonight against an unexperienced Netherlands side.

Miedema has shown flashes of the brilliance she was billed for before entering the tournament and the Dutch will need all the offense they have in order to score on this Japanese side.

Both teams have had at least a week off with the Netherlands having 8 days, so rust might be an issue at the start. Not to mention it is a relatively late start in Vancouver, a slow start might benefit one side if they are able to take advantage and net a goal early.

Before, during or after today’s matches, join the conversation in the comments section below with fellow soccer fans from around the world.