USA vs. Japan: Predicting the Starting Lineups for Women's Olympic Soccer Final

1 of 10

USWNT Celebrates Canada Win
Stanley Chou/Getty Images

After an epic extra-time win over Canada and a frantic, nail-biting finish against France, the USA and Japan are set to contest the London 2012 women's soccer final in a rematch of last year's Women's World Cup.

Here, by position, are the expected lineups for both teams as they go for the gold on August 9.

Goalkeeper

USWNT Goalkeeper Hope Solo
Stanley Chou/Getty Images

USA: Hope Solo

Japan: Miho Fukumoto

With these two teams' records, there are unlikely to be many surprises in the lineups, but certainly least of all in goal.

Hope Solo and Miho Fukumoto are two of the outstanding goalkeepers in women's soccer.

Both Japan and USA have kept three clean sheets in the Olympic tournament. Coincidentally, each team conceded goals only to Canada and France—Japan in the group stage against Canada and semifinal against France, USA the other way around.

Right-Back

Yukari Kinga, Japan
Koji Watanabe/Getty Images

USA: Amy LePeilbet / Christie Rampone

Japan: Yukari Kinga

The only question at right-back is whether USWNT coach Pia Sundhagen throws caution to the wind from the start and fields a three-woman defence.

Desperately needing a goal to stay in the tournament, Sundhagen withdrew LePeilbet for forward Sydney LeRoux late against Canada, shifting Rampone over to cover the wing in a daring 3-4-3 formation.

It's a potential option against Japan to try to break down their staunch defence early; but more likely, particularly given the physical toll of USA's semifinal, Sundhagen will stick to a 4-4-2 with LePeilbet on the right.

Central Defence

USWNT Captain Christie Rampone
Stanley Chou/Getty Images

USA: Christie Rampone and Rachel Buehler

Japan: Saki Kumagai and Azusa Iwashimizu

Two solid partnerships in the heart of the back line have contributed to both teams' tight defences.

At 37, it might be expected that Rampone in particular will feel the effects of all 120 minutes of action against Canada, but it is unthinkable the USWNT captain could be replaced.

Left-Back

USWNT Left-Back Kelley O'Hara
Stanley Chou/Getty Images

USA: Kelley O'Hara

Japan: Aya Sameshima

Expect no changes at left-back for either side.

While O'Hara at times looked vulnerable against Canada, her forward mobility on the wing may be an asset in breaking down Japan.

Right Midfield

Megan Rapinoe
Stanley Chou/Getty Images

USA: Megan Rapinoe

Japan: Aya Miyama

Both Japan and the US have exceptional right-sided midfielders.

Rapinoe gave a career-defining performance against Canada, bringing her tally in the tournament to three goals and two assists. Another epic performance in the final could pave the way for U.S. gold.

Central Midfield

Japan No. 10 Homare Sawa
Julian Finney/Getty Images

USA: Carli Lloyd and Lauren Cheney

Japan: Homare Sawa and Mizuho Sakaguchi

The partnership in the middle of the park is particularly important to Japan. Expect Sakaguchi to play the holding role allowing FIFA Women's World Player of the Year Homare Sawa to orchestrate attacks and get forward herself.

Left Midfield

Heather O'Reilly
Stanley Chou/Getty Images

USA: Heather O'Reilly

Japan: Nahomi Kawasumi

Pia Sundhagen has tended to favour Tobin Heath on the left side of midfield, but Heather O'Reilly has a case to get the start against Japan.

Heath struggled against Canada, and O'Reilly's introduction in extra time energized the flagging team and reminded what a handful she can be for the opposition.