Olympic Soccer Scores 2012: USA Will Top Japan After Thrilling Victory

Japan and the United States are set for a rematch of the 2011 World Cup final in the women's gold medal soccer contest at the 2012 London Games. 

Both teams advanced to the finals with one goal victories in the semifinals. Japan took down France 2-1, and the Americans defeated Canada 4-3 in extra time.

However, it is the U.S. that is in a position to build off of their narrow win and consequently avenge their loss in the World Cup. 

Against Canada, the American women were untypically torched for three goals. This ended an impressive Olympics scoreless streak posted by goalkeeper Hope Solo at 368 minutes. 

This defense is not going take kindly to allowing three goals in one match. They are going to come out determined to return to their lockdown play, and it's not like they really needed any extra incentive to play at their best. 

It does not appear as if this group of women has exactly let their loss in the World Cup slide quietly into the past. 

Here is midfielder Carli Lloyd, as quoted by the Associated Press' Joseph White: 

"

This is redemption for us. We know how hard it was for us after that game. It hurt us for a really long time.

"

For a team as talented as the USA, there are just far too many circumstances hanging over this one for them to do anything but win. 

They have had this rematch circled on the calender for a year, the defense is coming off of an uncharacteristic, shoddy performance, and the team is coming off of an exhilarating win. 

The U.S. will win 2-0.