Olympic Soccer 2012: 5 Players to Watch in Gold-Medal Game Between USA and Japan

Everything is set for the final match between Japan and the United States at the 2012 Olympics. Top players like Alex Morgan and Homare Sawa are among those you should keep an eye on.

Both teams have faced each other four times in the last year, including the title match of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.

How did these teams get to the gold-medal match? In the group stage, Japan defeated Canada (2-1) and tied with Sweden (0-0) and South Africa (0-0).

The USWNT won its three matches: France (4-2), Colombia (3-0) and North Korea (1-0), something the squad had never done before at the Olympics.

The final showdown will be full of emotions, talent and pride, so let's find out which footballers will make a difference next Thursday.

Alex Morgan

Number 13 has stated herself as one of the best players in the USWNT. Alex Morgan scored the winning goal against Canada with a header in the second extra time (120+3).

Before the semis match, Morgan had scored twice in the Olympic tournament against France. Despite her lack of goals in the next three games, Alex helped the U.S. team with superb assists and runs through the sidelines.

Despite her young age, the 23-year-old has become one of the team's cornerstones. She has teamed up with Abby Wambach in a way that few strikers do.

Furthermore, her speed allows her to unbalance the rival's defensive line while her endurance gives her the possibility to play 120 minutes.

Against Japan, Morgan has scored four times.

Homare Sawa

The 2011 Ballon d'Or is yet to score at the Olympic tournament, which is very rare for her standards. However, Homare Sawa has been Japan's leader throughout the competition.

The Japanese midfielder has proven to be a key element in every game. Her experience is one of the most valuable assets that Nadeshiko Japan has.

Sawa's skills include speed, ball control and dribbling. She knows when and how to pass the ball to her teammates. Add to the mix powerful, long distance shots and you'll have one of the fiercest footballers in the world.

In the last 12 months, Homare has scored once in front of the USWNT when they faced each other at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Abby Wambach

Abby Wambach, the second-highest scorer of the USWNT and the all-time scorer in Olympic history, is ready to help the USWNT grab the gold medal.

No. 14 has scored five goals so far and sits second in the top-scorer list. Against Japan, Abby can overtake Canada's Christine Sinclair who, with a hat trick during the semis, leads at six goals.

Wambach is used to playing high profile games. She was a cornerstone for the team at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup; not only has she scored four times, she also kicked a key penalty against Brazil and one more in front of Japan.

Abby is a great finisher, either with the feet or the head, and is also one of the squad's strongest footballers.

Yuki Ogimi

Yuki Ogimi has become Japan's top scorer (two goals), something the Asians should thank since Homare Sawa hasn't netted yet.

Ogimi is a 25-year-old striker that plays for German club 1, FFC Turbine Potsdam. Her skills include speed and strength, plus a mean long distance shot with the right foot.

The 5'6" striker has appeared in 83 games with the Nadeshiko Japan and scored 37 times.

Megan Rapinoe

If you want to get a glimpse of the most explosive player in the USWNT, do not miss Megan Rapinoe.

USA’s No. 15 scored her first Olympic goal in the group stage against Colombia. Later, this midfielder scored two more in the semis against Canada.

Rapinoe thinks outside the box and creates some of the most dangerous plays of the team. Her flamboyant personality, both outside and inside the field, has made her a fan favorite.

She can play from either sideline to send crosses to Wambach and Morgan, but she also knows how to cut in to the center of the pitch and make long distance shots.