The World Cup of Softball has come to a close. After one of the most wide-open battles in the history of the tournament, the US has proven to be the standard in softball once again, winning their 5th straight World Cup of Softball.

Let's take a look at how the standings shook out.

1. USA
2. Japan
3. Canada
4. Australia
5. Great Britain
6. Czech Republic

Team USA entered this tournament looking to make a name for themselves. It sounds odd given that they were gunning for their 5th straight World Cup of Softball championship, but as the US enters the next phase of USA softball, it was imperative for them to prove to the rest of the world that they could still get it done.

Japan failed to avenge their loss against the US, losing to them for the second time in this tournament in as many games. Japan was looking to overtake the US as the best team in the world, but two losses proves that Japan still remains a notch below team USA.

Canada was embarrassed by Australia on Sunday, losing 8-3, but redeemed themselves with a 4-1 victory in the 3rd-place game.

Great Britain and the Czech Republic were trying to build legacies of their own, but had a disappointing run at the 2011 World Cup of Softball. Great Britain avoided holding the designation as the worst team in the tournament by taking down the Czech Republic twice, but both teams failed to be competitive against the top-four teams in the tournament.

It was another impressive performance by team USA. While it was unfamiliar scene with so many stars aging out of the team roster, the US rose above the competition yet again.

Next year is sure to feature another wide-open battle, which should make for another exciting battle for international softball supremacy.

For all of your non-stop coverage of the event, keep it locked to Bleacher Report, where we'll have you covered every step of the way.

--Kyle Vassalo

Team USA Ousts Japan 6-4 in World Cup of Softball Championship

Some people thought this was the year that the US would fall. After winning four straight World Cup of Softball titles, it seemed as though a seemingly vulnerable US team could fall to one of the other five teams battling for international softball supremacy.

Team USA had other plans. While they were taken down by Canada earlier in the tournament, it would be their lone loss throughout the World Cup of Softball.

In the championship game, team USA took down Japan for a second time. USA pitcher Jordan Taylor pitched a no-hitter up until the 5^th inning. The end result was a 6-4 USA victory over Japan.

It’s an incredible accomplishment for the team. They no longer had a gold medalist face of the team like Jennie Finch to look to. They had to rally around each other to excel, making this win even sweeter than the ones that preceded it.

The US proved that while they while the team was entering a new era, they are still the standard in softball. They walk away as the best team in softball yet again.

Taking down Japan was critical for the US. Not only did it render them another world championship, it also didn’t allow Japan to overtake the US as the team to beat going forward. Japan won the Olympic gold in Bejing in 2008 and routinely comes in second to the US in world championships.

If there was one team who could overtake the US as the best team in the world, it was Japan. Team USA rose to the occasion, taking down Japan not once, but twice in tournament play.

The first time was in a must-win game following their disappointing loss to Canada. The US rebounded valiantly, taking down Japan and controlling their own destiny for the remainder of the tournament.

Rest assured, the US will be back to build on the legacy of the post-Jennie Finch era of USA softball. They laid a great foundation this year, winning over the US fan base with their dominant play and great personalities.

I think it’s safe to say the music group “Snaps”, formed by several members of team USA, is going to have several monster hits the next time we see the team take the diamond.

For now, the US can rest easily after yet another championship.

For all of your non-stop coverage of the event, keep it locked to Bleacher Report, where we'll have you covered every step of the way.

--Kyle Vassalo

Canada and Australia Will Battle for Third Place at the World Cup of Softball

Canada was just one game away from advancing to their first ever finals at the World Cup of Softball where they would face a team from USA that they had already upset at this tournament. All that stood between them and a possible championship was Australia. That proved to be far too much standing in their way.

Australia drubbed Canada 8-3. The loss knocked Canada completely out of the championship game and squarely into the third place game—a third place game against Australia.

Canada was actually up 3-1 after three innings on Sunday vs. Australia, but that is when the game and their dreams of gold began to quickly unravel. Australia scored three times in the fourth to take a one run lead. And they tacked on four more runs as the game advanced.

So now the Canadians need to decide if they are going to set their minds to revenge, or toil in the mental wasteland of opportunities missed.

And regardless of their mindset, it may not matter. Australia is a very good team.

The third place game is familiar territory for the Canadians. They have played for the bronze in the last four the World Cup of Softball events. 

Monday, July 25 (all times Eastern Standard)

Fifth Place Game:

2:00 PM: Czech Republic vs. Great Britain on streaming live on http://asa.sportzcast.tv/

Third Place Game:

5:00 PM: Australia vs. Canada on streaming live on http://asa.sportzcast.tv/

First Place Game:

9:00 PM: USA vs. Japan on ESPN2 and streaming live on ESPN3.com

For all of your non-stop coverage of the event, keep it locked to Bleacher Report, where we'll have you covered every step of the way.

Czech Republic Battles Great Britain for Fifth Place at the 2011 World Cup of Softball

The Czech Republic and Great Britain limp into the fifth place game at the 2011 World Cup of Softball having won just one combined game. And had they not already played each other, their wouldn't be any combined wins in this match.

In other words, it is clear that this is the right matchup to determine the worst team at the 2011 World Cup of Softball. That being said, this should be a fantastic game of softball between evenly matched teams.

Great Britain comes into this one boasting the lone victory on the strength of 3-2 victory over Czech Republic July 23rd. This was a game that was tied at two entering the bottom of the seventh inning. Stacie Townsend belted the walk off single to deliver her and her Great Britain teammates to glory in this one.

Megan Brown went the distance as Great Britain's starting pitcher in this one. I think we can expect more of the same dramatics in the fifth place game. And, the best news for both teams, is that one of them has to win.

Monday, July 25 (all times Eastern Standard)

Fifth Place Game:

2:00 PM: Czech Republic vs. Great Britain on streaming live on http://asa.sportzcast.tv/

Third Place Game:

5:00 PM: Australia vs. Canada on streaming live on http://asa.sportzcast.tv/

First Place Game:

9:00 PM: USA vs. Japan on ESPN2 and streaming live on ESPN3.com

For all of your non-stop coverage of the event, keep it locked to Bleacher Report, where we'll have you covered every step of the way.

USA vs. Japan in the 2011 World Cup of Softball Finals

The USA and Japan are going to add another piece to their rivalry at the top of the softball world. The two will meet in the championship finals at the World Cup of Softball on Monday at the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) Hall of Fame Complex Oklahoma City. First pitch is scheduled for 9 p.m. EST. 

Team USA advanced advanced with ease as they ten run ruled Great Britain on Sunday. They scored all four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning and Great Britain failed to score one single solitary run in any inning. 

And while the outcome of the game was completely lopsided, the game tied and in serious doubt until the bottom half of the fourth. In fact, it took a defensive play for the Americans in the top of the fourth to get things rolling.

Great Britain got their lead off hitter on base with a single. USA starting pitcher, Whitney Canion, then recorded two straight strikeouts then induced a soft pop up to left from Jessica Legendre. Michelle Moultrie charged the short fly and on a full sprint launched herself parallel to the ground for a remarkable diving catch. The effort sparked the entire team and laid the dynamite that her teammates exploded in the bottom half of the inning. Teammate Stacy May-Johnson had this to say on nfca.org:

“I think the cans of spinach came in the form of Michelle Moultrie’s catch out in left field. She really got us going. That was huge, huge momentum. That was a big time catch. The outfield was playing back preventing the double, preventing that run from first scoring. She was way back there. She came in out of nowhere.”

And with that, the stage was set, and the game was all but over. Now it is on to face Japan. The same Japan team that beat the U.S. in the 2008 summer league.

Monday, July 25

2:00 PM: Czech Republic vs. Great Britain on streaming live on http://asa.sportzcast.tv/

5:00 PM: Australia vs. Canada on streaming live on http://asa.sportzcast.tv/

9:00 PM: USA vs. Japan on ESPN2 and streaming live on ESPN3.com

For all of your non-stop coverage of the event, keep it locked to Bleacher Report, where we'll have you covered every step of the way.

USA Takes Down Great Britain in 10-0 Shutout, Advances to Championship

Team USA took a while to get going in their Sunday matchup against Great Britain, but once they did, there was absolutely no stopping them.

They went up 10-0 on Great Britain, winning on the mercy rule and punching their ticket to the championship game tomorrow.

The USA didn't exactly skip into the championship. After losing to Canada on Saturday, it appeared that they may be on the outside looking in. It took an incredible grand slam against Japan to get the US back in the mix for the 1st place game.

Canada and Japan each entered Sunday with one loss as well. Due to the victory over Japan, the US went into today's matchup controlling their own destiny.

Great Britain is new to the World Cup of Softball scene. They have only managed to muster one win out of the tournament. That win came when they defeated the worst team in the tournament.

Even so, Great Britain held their own for a good portion of the game. The US were expected to make quick work of Great Britain. The "quick" portion of that prediction turned out to be unfulfilled.

The US put forth an impressive string of runs, barraging Great Britain with an onslaught of power hitting that allowed them to coast to a 10-0 win.

The US aren't done yet. This win was just the confidence booster they needed. It was a good warmup for the game that lies ahead.

The US have shown that they can compete against the best this tournament has to offer. A win tomorrow would allow people to forget about the frustrating loss the US suffered to Canada and acknowledge that the US remains the team to beat in softball.

There were a lot of questions surrounding the US heading into the World Cup of Softball. It was an unfamiliar scene with US mainstays now out of the picture.

The new batch of talent rose the occasion, showing everyone that the US will continue to be a powerhouse. It's not the same team, but if they can manage to win tomorrow, they will prove that they can put forth similar results.

For all of your non-stop coverage of the event, keep it locked to Bleacher Report, where we'll have you covered every step of the way.

--Kyle Vassalo

USA Controls Their Own Destiny in Game vs Great Britain

A grand slam against Japan brought the USA a much-needed victory on Saturday. They had lost their first game of the day on Saturday, dialing up the pressure for their game against Japan later on that night.

The US responded with a huge victory, essentially allowing them to control their own destiny for the rest of the tournament.

They are in the process of battling Great Britain. While Great Britain has only won one game in the entire tournament, they are currently holding their own against the US in a scoreless game thus far.

Even so, the US is almost sure to earn a victory over the severely outmatched Great Britain team. If they are able to do so, they earn a berth in the championship game.

The US are looking to prove that they are still an international powerhouse in the sport. With superstars like Jennie Finch aging out of play, there was a lot of uncertainty going into this tournament for team USA.

They've silenced their critics thus far, putting forth a resounding performance at the tournament and forging a tradition of their own, as they enter the next era of USA softball.

A win in the championship won't come easily, but they've proven that they are willing and able to compete against the best teams the tournament has to offer.

A come-from-behind victory over Japan on Saturday just might be the confidence booster they needed as they head into their final game.

For all of your non-stop coverage of the event, keep it locked to Bleacher Report, where we'll have you covered every step of the way.

--Kyle Vassalo

Canada Faces Toughest Sunday Matchup of Teams Fighting for Spots in 1st-Place Game

After losing to Canada and taking down Japan on Saturday, the USA blew the World Cup of Softball wide open. Going into Sunday, Japan, Canada and the US each carry one loss into their games.

The US has the easiest day ahead of them, as they take on Great Britain in what should be an easy victory for the Americans.

Japan shouldn't have any problems winning both of their games, as they already blew away Great Britain 13-6 earlier in the day and have the Czech Republic ahead of them. The Czech Republic is the worst team in the tournament and Japan should be able to make quick work of their last opponent before their medal game.

Canada isn't exactly going to coast to victory. They face Australia, who has proven to be a valiant opponent and a legitimate contender. While Canada is expected to win, they undoubtedly have the most difficult road of the three teams vying for a shot at the 1st-place game.

Whatever the matchup ends up being for the 1st place match, it's sure to be a great game. Earlier in the tournament, Canada took down the US, Japan beat Canada and the US got the best of Canada.

The teams are evenly matched and could all make a decent argument as to why they should be favored going forward. Unfortunately, one of these teams is going to be left duking it out with Australia in the third-place games.

Sunday will determine who is the odd team out. At this point, the spots in the 1st-place game are really up for grabs.

Anything short of an opportunity to compete for 1st place in the tournament would have to be considered a huge disappointment to the US team.

Given the lackluster competition that Japan and the US face today, the game to watch is Canada vs Australia. The game could have major implications on the way the matchups on July 25th shake out.

For all of your non-stop coverage of the event, keep it locked to Bleacher Report, where we'll have you covered every step of the way.

--Kyle Vassalo

USA Beats Undefeated Japan 8-4, Joins Canada and Japan Atop Leaderboard

After a disappointing loss to Canada, the US seemed to be on their way to competing in the third-place game. A bronze medal wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, given the transition the team is currently in.

Just when it looked like the first-place game was going to be out of reach, the US came away with a much needed upset, taking down Japan 8-4 in their second game on Saturday.

The win makes them one of three teams who have one loss. The win is a huge triumph and could save the US from suffering a down year as the USA team enters a new era.

The US team could have allowed their loss in the morning to impact their play against Japan. They had every reason to enter the game expecting to lose. After all, Japan had already beaten the Canada team that they suffered a loss to earlier in the tournament.

The US didn't allow their confidence to be shaken. They remained mentally tough and rose to the occasion. This was a must-win game for the team, as a loss would have knocked them out of relevancy, allowing Canada and Japan would coast into the 1st-place game.

Not only did the loss show the rest of the field that Japan is not an invincible force, it showed the rest of the world that the US are still a legitimate contender.

The Americans don't have the veteran leadership to help to guide them. This was supposed to be an off year, but apparently someone didn't give the team the memo. They took down the best team in the tournament, which could be instrumental, should Japan face off against the US for the gold.

Canada faces the toughest remaining game. They take on Australia, who is significantly better than the Czech Republic and Great Britain, teams the US and Japan will need to take down if they want a shot at the gold.

Saturday was huge for the US. While they were expected to walk away 1-1 on the day, it seemed far less likely that it would be Japan that they would defeat, rather than Canada.

Regardless of what happens from here on out, the US can consider their run at the World Cup of Softball an overwhelming success.

For all of your non-stop coverage of the event, keep it locked to Bleacher Report, where we'll have you covered every step of the way.

--Kyle Vassalo

Great Britain Narrowly Avoids Defeat, Takes Down Czech Republic for 1st Tournament Win

The Czech Republic and Great Britain were both winless, prior to their Saturday "showdown". This matchup will likely be the 5th place game, where the teams will inevitably battle to avoid being the worst team in the tournament.

That's what made this game so riveting. Here were two teams who had been beaten into an oblivion by their opponents in losses and had their confidence broken. 

The Czech Republic were even served a humiliating 11 point shutout loss to Australia in their opener.

Clearly both teams are outmatched against the other four teams involved in the World Cup of Softball, but nobody knew what would happen when the two bottom feeders of the tournament collided.

As anticipated, it was a close one. Great Britain emerged victorious, winning 3-2, though it may be more fitting to say that the Czech Republic lose 2-3.

After all, this game was more about who was going to avoid the designation as the only team to remain winless in the tournament going into the final day of play on July 25th.

That's enough poking fun at these teams though. It's an incredible honor to represent their team on an international stage. Though they don't measure up to their competition in this tournament, all is certainly not lost for the teams.

They are each building their own softball traditions and just having the chance to compete against the best teams in the world is a victory in itself.

That being said, it's hard to imagine either team mustering a victory prior to July 25th. The Czech Republic faces Japan, who is undefeated at the moment and has staked their claim as the team to beat.

Great Britain squares off against Japan as well and has to face a USA team who will either be vying for their shot at the 1st place game or trying to salvage a bronze medal in this tournament.

The road ahead is certainly rocky for both teams, but for the time being, Great Britain can take refuge in the fact that they came away with a victory today, regardless of who it was against.

For all of your non-stop coverage of the event, keep it locked to Bleacher Report, where we'll have you covered every step of the way.

--Kyle Vassalo

The US had it in the bag. After taking down Australia, it the US controlled their own fate today. A win against Canada would almost certainly spell a berth in the 1st place game, regardless of what happened in their second game of the day, against Japan.

The US may have been looking at the tougher of the two opponents prematurely. They failed to take care of Canada in the first game, losing 4-3 and acquiring their first loss in the 2011 World Cup of Softball.

Their loss has blown the tournament wide open. Now the pressure going into the game against Japan is exponentially heightened.

Three teams have solidified themselves in the running. Canada and the US each have a loss. Japan remains undefeated, which means a victory over the US could knock the Americans from 1st place contention entirely.

Their confidence has to be shaken, but the US need to put their last game behind them and focus on redeeming themselves with a victory over Japan.

Japan is a valiant opponent. They took down Canada by three runs in their opener, which points to their ability to compete against the best of the best in this tournament.

The US can't afford to stumble again here. Playing two games in a day and losing the first could snowball into successive losses, which they would probably not recover from.

At this point, the US may be fighting to medal. Winning the third place game would be a letdown, but it's important to look at the bigger picture.

The US are in transition. This isn't the Jennie Finch-led team we are accustomed to seeing take the diamond. The US are trying to reestablish themselves with new talent by creating a legacy of their own.

A bronze medal in this competition shouldn't be seen as a complete failure, given the circumstances. Even so, beating Japan and getting right back in the mix of things would obviously be ideal.

It's far too early for the US to hang their heads and quits. They still control their own destiny, as they are getting a second chance at taking hold of this tournament.

This win is going to be even more challenging to attain, but the US are capable of earning a victory against the tournament favorite.

For all of your non-stop coverage of the event, keep it locked to Bleacher Report, where we'll have you covered every step of the way.

--Kyle Vassalo

USA's Double Header Will Determine 1st-Place Game Participants

The USA and Japan both enter Saturday's showdown undefeated. After impressive showings from both teams thus far, it's the biggest tournament matchup to date.

Both teams are vying to establish themselves as the international standard of softball. The US is fighting to remain relevant after such a crucial blow was dealt to them when their veteran superstars vacated the roster.

Japan is coming into this tournament focused on getting over the hump and taking hold of this tournament. They were the runner up in this tournament last year and anything short of a win would be a disappointment to the Japanese, especially given the state of the US.

The US are vulnerable, but still put forth an extremely talented team. They proved their worth by taking down Australia, but Japan will present an even tougher challenge.

This could very well be the preview of the 1st-place game. With Australia losing twice yesterday, Japan and the US have established themselves as the teams to beat in the World Cup of Softball.

Canada just might be a dark horse in this tournament. Either Japan or the US will be fed a loss today, which could blow the door wide open for Japan to make their way into the 1st-place game.

The US faces a critical juncture when they take on Canada today. The game precedes their game against Japan, so losing the game could snowball into back-to-back defeats. 

Canada is a legitimate team and shouldn't be taken lightly. It's a trap game, to say the least. Canada doesn't measure up to Japan, which could lead the US to look ahead to their matchup against Japan, rather than focus on the task at hand.

Assuming they take care of business against Canada, it all but seals a USA 1st-place game berth. They will likely steamroll Great Britain and even if they lose to Japan, they would be able to seek redemption in the 1st-place game.

Conversely, a slip up vs Canada would put all of the pressure on the team as they take on Japan. If they were to lose to Canada and beat Japan, it would blow the tournament wide open.

A more likely scenario is one where the US take down Canada and, win or lose, take on Japan in the 1st-place game.

Canada is undoubtedly the favorite at this point to take home the bronze, assuming they don't make it into the 1st-place game.

Given that Canada and Japan have already faced one another, today is going to have the biggest affect on the way that the rest of the tournament shakes out. The US controls not only the destiny of their own tournament fate, but the rest of the field as well.

For all of your non-stop coverage of the event, keep it locked to Bleacher Report, where we'll have you covered every step of the way.

--Kyle Vassalo

Friday Spells Out How the Rest of the World Cup of Softball will Play Out

Australia was fed two losses on Friday, dispelling the notion that they just may be the team to beat. They lost to Japan in a 3-0 shutout and then to the USA 5-2.

Japan and the US remain undefeated. Japan made a big statement when they took down Australia. This tournament is blown wide open, as the US are entering a new era of American softball.

Japan doesn't want to be left playing second fiddle to a USA team that is transition. They had an impressive win over Canada and coupling it by taking down Australia solidifies them as one of the biggest threats in the competition.

They may be the team to beat, as they've already exuded their dominance over opponents who have already racked up multiple wins in the 2011 World Cup of Softball.

The US took down the Czech Republic in their opener, but even though they won by a five-run margin, the Czech Republic were clearly an inferior opponent.

The real test would be against Australia on Friday. Both teams entered the game with a great first day under their belts. Each team was vying to stake their claim as the team to beat.

Fortune favored the US and the game was telling of where the teams were headed. Back-to-back losses for Australia doesn't speak well about their 2011 World Cup of Softball future. Salvaging a win against Japan or the US could have been enough to keep them in the running to lock down a spot in the first-place game.

Conversely, the US took a giant leap forward with their win. They established themselves as a major contender in the competition, proving once and for all that while US legends may have aged out of the roster, the team is still a juggernaut in the softball world.

Canada may have had the best day of all the teams. They won both of their games on Friday, taking down Great Britain and the Czech Republic.

While they certainly didn't faced the cream of the crop in this tournament, Canada needed the wins and the confidence boost.

They held their own for the most part against Japan in their opener. The six runs they scored on Japan speak to their ability to score on a high caliber team.

It appears that Great Britain and the Czech Republic are going to be duking it out to avoid the bottom of the barrel. They continue to collect losses like they are providing oxygen. The two are squaring off today in what will likely preview the 5th place game.

Friday, July 22nd Scores

Canada 6, Great Britain 4

Austalia 0, Japan 3

Canada 7, Czech Republic 0

Australia 2, USA 5

For all of your non-stop coverage of the event, keep it locked to Bleacher Report, where we'll have you covered every step of the way.

--Kyle Vassalo

Guang Niu/Getty Images

World Cup of Softball Results for USA vs. Australia

The United States tallied three unearned runs in bottom of the sixth to break a 2-2 tie and carried the 5-2 lead into the clubhouse.

Australia is one of the premier teams in the world, placing third at the 2008 Olympics and finishing runner-up in the 2009 World Cup so this was a big victory for the Americans.

This is a very talented American team, but they are also incredibly young and lacking the star power that many remember from years past. Both Jennie Finch and Cat Osterman are gone from the team and they are now relying on young players like Valerie Arioto and Stacy May-Johnson.

The United States were propelled to victory thanks to a costly fielding error by Australian Stacy Porter who put the game winning run on first base. After Australia walked the next batter, the Americans had the edge as Arioto drove in the game winning runs.

These are two of the top teams in the world and with the victory the United States has likely secured their spot in the gold medal game. The only question remaining is will they face Australia again?

For all of your non-stop coverage of the event, keep it locked to Bleacher Report, where we'll have you covered every step of the way.

USA vs Australia Will be Telling of How Teams Stack Up in the 2011 World Cup of Softball

The USA and Australia both blew away their respective opponents in their openers. Australia even managed to win both games in their opening day by a margin of at least six runs, including an 11-0 slaughtering of the Czech Republic.

They each face a more even matchup in their second game. Both teams will need to be on their game in order to come away with a victory in this one. Seeing as how wide open this tournament is, this game could very well be the deciding factor between playing in the 1st place game and fighting to medal at all.

While both teams dominated in their opening games, their performances do little to indicate just how the rest of their road is going to shake out.

They won't be facing an inferior opponent, which could make for a surprising defeat for one of these teams. Both teams sent a message with their opening games, but their inferior opponents may make their dominant appearance a facade.

A win against Australia would validate the US as a force to be reckoned with. While the team has dominated in past years and has an incredibly rich history, this is a new era of USA softball. We don't know how this batch of newcomers matches up against the world, but taking down Australia would be a huge step for the team.

Likewise, Australia is trying to establish themselves as an international powerhouse. They could be one of the teams to make a play for the gold.

We've only seen these teams take on the lesser teams of the tournament. This is the first matchup that features two teams who could both make a run at the gold.

If one of these teams drops the ball, it's going to be telling of how this tournament is going to shake out. Conversely, a big win for either side could propel them to an undefeated run in Oklahoma City and inevitably put their country atop the softball world.

For all of your non-stop coverage of the event, keep it locked to Bleacher Report, where we'll have you covered every step of the way.

--Kyle Vassalo