USA vs. Japan Live! FIFA Women's World Cup Finals Coverage - July 17, 2011
After three weeks of a spirited tournament, it all comes down to this.
The United States Soccer Team are in the World Cup Finals and trying to take home their first title since 1999 when they face Japan on Sunday 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. 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]
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