Early Monday morning (12:00am) the USA will take on Japan in the Women's World Cup Final. Both sides have been on a good run this tournament but only one can be called Champions of the World!
Despite this match marking a repeat of the 2011 final. This game is being played by two very different teams to those in the last tournament.
USA:
Over the course of their World Cup campaign the USA have developed a physical style to their game as well as a good counter-attack. The number two ranked side came through their group top with two wins and one draw, so are undefeated this tournament.
In their last match the USA were able to overcome the World #1 ranked side in Germany. The USWNT have worked on their physical style and have improved their tempo to ensure they can keep up with even the best of teams. The USA's defence looked strong in their previous games having only conceded 1 goal all tournament.
The USA's match winning players include, attacking forward, Carli Lloyd, striker Alex Morgan, defender Ali Krieger and keeper Hope Solo. Who have all performed well so far, but will have to be top of their game to take the title away from Japan.
JAPAN:
Japan have been likened to Barcelona with their playing style. They favour the possession game, to keep the ball as long as possible while tiring out their opponent. The current holders won all three of their Group Stage games and have made it past some tough teams to get to the final.
Japan faced England in their previous game and were able to defeat the ranked 6th side thanks to an own goal by England. In their match against the USA, Japan will hope to out pass their opponents and improve on their last performance which wasn't as ideal as perhaps they would have liked.
In team Japan, there are a number of players that have been key for them over the tournament. Namely midfielder Rumi Utsugi, defender Saori Ariyoshi, goal keeper Ayumi Kaihori and midfielder Aya Miyama. Who will have to use their indivdual talents and passing skills to make it past the USA in order to defend their World Cup title.
Despite the repeat between the sides from the last final. We don't expect this one to go to penalties, so our prediction is:
2-1 USA. But whatever the result, this should be a fantastic final!
