London 2012 Soccer: Bold Predictions for Epic Japan vs. USA Gold Medal Match

In the London 2012 Olympics gold medal match, Team USA is going to avenge its heartbreaking loss to Japan in last year's World Cup. 

Both of these teams roll into the final match of these games having not lost in London. However, it is the U.S. that is an impressive 5-0, while Japan is just 3-0-2. 

Honestly, throw the records out the window, though. These two will be battling on the pitch in a fun and well-played match. Here is how it will play out. 

Megan Rapinoe Comes Up Clutch

Megan Rapinoe has been the straw stirring U.S.' drink in these Olympics. She doesn't claim as many headlines as Alex Morgan or Abby Wambach because her primary function is not to score goals. 

She is there to set up her teammates for goals, and her passes have been on-point. She also just seems to have a knack for pulling out game-changing plays when they are needed most. 

Rapinoe will put this on full display on the biggest of stages in this match. 

Abby Wambach Nets 2

Abby Wambach has been the heart of this team for years, and despite being 32, that has not changed in the slightest. 

Wambach is one of the most potent goal scorers in the game. She is tenacious and effective. She is also a tremendous leader, and leaders with that kind of talent come up big in contests like this. 

Wambach will do just that as she will account for both of the U.S.' goals. 

U.S. Wins

Wambach's two goals are going to be one more than the U.S. needs. They are going to shutout Japan. 

The Japanese team is not an aggressive squad. They rely on smart and technically-sound play, but the U.S. will not leave them any holes to exploit.

The Americans are coming off a match where they allowed three goals to Canada. This is a defense that does not allow three goals in a contest, and they are going to be intent on redeeming themselves. 

Prior to Canada's first goal, U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo had an Olympics scoreless streak of 368 minutes. 

The U.S. will get back to that lockdown defense, and Japan won't create enough shots on goal to net a score.