The final of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup between defending champion Japan and world no. 2 United States is a rematch of the last one held in Germany in 2011. They had been the best teams in this summer's games and it is but appropriate for them to decide this year's winner.
Japan, ranked no. 4 in the world, is coming off a bizarre 2-1 victory over world no. 6 England. The game was oddly decided by an honest own-goal mistake by center back Laura Bassett with literally seconds left in the match, via the New York Times.
British media was quick to sympathize with the Three Lionesses, saying that "the better team lost" and that the Nadeshiko just got lucky in the end. However, the strange win does not tarnish what Norio Sasaki's girls have already accomplished in the tourney.
The Japanese have never lost or drawn a match so far and they are expected to ride on this winning streak against the title-ready Team USA.
Jill Ellis' squad came up big in their 2-0 semifinal win over tournament favorite and world no. 1 Germany. Striker Carli Lloyd and substitute defender Kelley O'Hara scored the goals for the Americans, which perhaps reserved their best form for their last two games in the competitions.
The final is sure to be a low-scoring affair as both teams have such stingy defenses, according to ESPN. Team USA's defense relies on its stonewall of defenders that is almost impenetrable as they have only allowed a single goal so far in the whole tourney.
Meanwhile, Japan's defense is its offense as they control the ball and pressure the opposing defenders in entire matches. Their net was only tainted three times in the tournament.
Prediction: USA over Japan, 1-0. The Americans are on fire and ready to take home the cup this year. Revenge is an added motivation for Ellis and her girls and the Japanese will be unable to handle it.
Japan starting lineup (4-2-2-2 formation): Kaihori; Kawamura, Iwashimizu, Kumagai, Kitahara; Utsugi, Sakaguchi; Miyama, Iwabuchi; Ohno, Ōgimi
United States starting lineup (4-2-2-1-1 formation): Solo; Johnston, Klingenberg, Sauerbrunn, Krieger; Brian, Holiday; Rapinoe, Heath; Lloyd; Morgan