The goalkeepers of the U.S. women's soccer team
The goalkeepers of the U.S. women's soccer team (L-R) Jill Loyden, Nicole Barnhart and Hope Solo attend a practice session in Frankfurt July 16, 2011. The U.S. team will play against Japan in the World Cup final on Sunday in Frankfurt. REUTERS

Despite a loss to Sweden in group play, after an infamous match against Brazil, and three weeks of intense action, the U.S. Women's Soccer team are one win away from hoisting the World Cup trophy.

The U.S. compete today in the World Cup Finals and are looking to take home their first title since 1999 when they face Japan in Frankfurt.

The Americans enter the match with a high-scoring attack that has netted at least two goals in four out of five of their World Cup matches.They have not been shut out in any match, and have shown an excellent counterattacking strategy in part because of a steady defense.

The U.S. is led by forward Abby Wambach, whose memorable header against Brazil continues to be the most recognized moment of the tournament.The Yanks also have a stellar goalkeeper in Hope Solo, who had a clean sheet in the first two matches of group play to help advance the U.S. to the knockout round.

After the 2-1 loss to Sweden, there were grumblings that the U.S. would struggle in the knockout stage, but that certainly has not been the case. In a controversial match against Brazil, the Americans were able to overcome some questionable officiating and advance on penalty kicks. They then proceeded to finish off France in the semifinals with two goals in the last 12 minutes of the match.

On the other side of the ball, Japan enters the Finals with perhaps the best defensive team in the tournament. Japan has only conceded one goal in knockout-round matches, and are considered among the fastest teams in the tournament.

Ranked fourth in the world, Japan went into the match with Sweden as an underdog, and dominated the Swedes with a 3-1 victory, so the U.S. must take them seriously given their result with the same opponent.

Japan is led by Nahomi Kawasumi, who scored twice against Sweden. Goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori has been steady covering the net in the tournament.

The match starts at 2:45 eastern time and will be shown on ESPN.

See Also: Picture Highlights of Women's World Cup Final [PHOTOS]

U.S. Japan Germany Soccer