Japan tested, but holds off Switzerland as they open World Cup title defence with win

VANCOUVER – Japan's World Cup title defence began with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Switzerland on Monday at Vancouver's B.C. Place Stadium. Aya Miyama's penalty kick goal in the 29th minute was the difference between the two sides in a game that was engaging from start to finish.

Swiss striker Ramona Bachmann, who appears poised to be one of the tournament's breakout stars, gave the Japan defence fits with her speed and skill, but neither she or any of her teammates could find the back of the net.

Japan held strong, even if it meant they had to play a little differently than the quick pass-and-move style we've come to expect from them over the last few years to get the result.

"We couldn't really play the game we usually do," said Japan's coach Norio Sasaki. "We should have played in a cooler manner but we still won, that is the most important, and I think this is great for our momentum."

Switzerland came oh so close to earning a draw, but Bachmann's try toward goal in stoppage time skied just over the crossbar. To leave such a well-played game emtpy-handed has to hurt, especially as they already felt pained by the first-half penalty decision. Swiss goalkeeper Gaelle Thalmann came out to punch a ball clear, but collided with Kozue Ando inside the box. The referee pointed to the spot and Miyama stepped up and converted the opportunity.

"It's unfortunate that we lost the game due to a penalty," said Switzerland's coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg. "I'm very proud of the performance and I think we deserved at least a draw."

But that is the frustration that comes with playing against a tactically sound and experienced team like Japan. It was far from a dominant effort, but the defending champions did enough to kick off this World Cup run with a win. With the co-favourites Germany and the U.S. among the contenders out to take their crown though, they know they'll have to stay sharp over the next month to retain their title. Maybe surviving a slightly frenzied game against an energetic Swiss side is exactly what Japan needs to get going.

More Soccer coverage from Yahoo Canada Sports:

- - - - - - -

Israel Fehr is a writer for Yahoo Canada Sports. Email him at israelfehr@yahoo.ca or follow him on Twitter. Follow @israelfehr