Pia Sundhage Sings to Her Players Ahead of Women's World Cup Final

Ahead of the much anticipated Women's World Cup Final between the USA and Japan, USA coach Pia Sundhage has given an insight into what goes on at an average team training session.

During her press conference before the final, she sang to reporters after talking about how the girls in the team feel the pressure and excitement building up to a World Cup final. The lyrics were taken from a Simon & Garfunkel tune and certainly won over the reporters at the conference.

The Japanese defeated Sweden in their path to the final (3-1), playing some spectacular football along the way. Although not physically strong, the Japanese are technically gifted and enjoy holding possession of the ball, whilst developing flowing moves which can break down the best of defences.

The squad also contains the current joint top scorer of the Women's World Cup, Homare Sawa; she will be hungry for goals, in her attempt to become the outright Golden Shoe award. All in all, Japan have conceded four goals for the duration of the tournament, although they did lose a game in the group stages to England.

Coming into the competition as favourites, the United States have had an exhilarating path to the finals. On the way, they overcame a loss in the group stage (vs Sweden), a two-goal deficit and ultimately penalty shout out against Brazil and finally a French side which fought to the death in the semifinal. Nevertheless, the girls from America have reached the final and look to win the World Cup for the first time since 1999.

The Japanese are playing in their first ever World Cup final, whilst the US will be making their third appearance.

Elsewhere, the playoff for third place in the tournament has taken place.

The all European clash contested between Sweden and France, saw Sweden come out on top in emphatic fashion. The game was locked at one all after goals from Schelin (Sweden) and Thomis (France) either side of the half.

Although with just eight minutes remaining on the clock, Swedish defender Marie Hammarstrom popped up to score the winner. The game ended 2-1, resulting in Sweden's third, third place at the tournament.

Make sure you take a look at the video of coach Pia Sundhage singing to her players.