Women’s World Cup: USA vs. Japan preview

A little less than a month after the Women’s World Cup kicked off, the United States and Japan are the only teams left standing.

They meet in a re-match of the final in Germany in 2011, in which the Japanese twice came from behind to defeat the Americans 3-1 on penalties. Abby Wambach, playing in her final World Cup, will be desperate to make sure history doesn’t repeat itself, so her team can hoist the trophy for the first time in her all-star career.

U.S.A (2) vs. JAPAN (4)

Location: BC Place, Vancouver Time: 7 p.m. ET

TV: TSN 1,3, 4; CTV

Last game: Japan needed an injurytime own goal from English defender Laura Bassett to secure a semi-final victory over the Lionesses. After a missed penalty by German striker Celia Sasic, United States posted a controversial 2-0 upset over the world’s No. 1 team. At stake: World Cup championship.

Players to watch: American midfielder Carli Lloyd has inspired her team to two World Cup victories en route to the final, and you can expect her to try to do the same Sunday night. It will be the battle of the midfielders, too; Aya Miyama is Japan’s key playmaker and could have a massive influence on the team’s attack. Projected Starting XI

U.S.A: Hope Solo (GK), Becky Sauerbrunn (DF), Ali Krieger (DF), Julie Johnston (DF), Meghan Klingenberg (DF), Lauren Holiday (MF), Morgan Brian (MF), Carli Lloyd (MF), Megan Rapinoe (MF), Tobin Heath (MF), Alex Morgan (F).

Japan: Ayumi Kaihori (GK), Saori Ariyoshi (DF), Azusa Iwashimizu (DF), Saki Kumagai (DF), Aya Sameshima (DF), Mizuho Sakaguchi (MF), Aya Miyama (MF), Nahomi Kawasumi (MF), Rumi Utsugi (MF), Shinobu Ohno (F), Yuki Ogimi (F).

What to expect: The last final between these two four years ago was a tight contest and fans should expect nothing less of Sunday’s rematch. The U.S. will want to use their physicality against Japan, who looked shaky in instances like set plays against England and Australia.

But should the Japanese get the ball down on their deck and use their unparalleled off-the-ball movement, they could have the United States running around in circles. If the United States play their own version of possession play, though, they should gain a much-needed edge. Winners: U.S.A

Star’s record: 9-5 Laura Armstrong