USA vs Japan: Scoring the Key Battles from Olympic Soccer Gold

The USWNT took the gold medal for the third consecutive time, and in what way! The Stars and Stripes took advantage of Japan's inconsistency and mistakes.

Carli Lloyd scored the opening goal with a header at the eighth minute. In the second half, Lloyd gave the USA a two-goal advantage. Japan tied with an Ogimi goal at the 62nd. The States kept pushing and held off the Asian attack.

The so-called rematch of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup final favored the Americans 2-1. It was their best game of the London Olympics.

Without further ado, let's find out which were the key battles of the match.

Abby Wambach vs Saki Kumagai

Abby Wambach couldn't score today and didn't join Jairzinho and Just Fontaine as the only players that have scored in every game of a World Cup or Olympic tournament.

However, she had a superb performance and was superior than Saki Kumagi, who tried to stop the American. Wambach's lack of goal had to do with her own performance rather than with Kumagi's skills.

Good effort from Abby, who tried long-distance shots and runs. She fought to the end.

Score: 8/10

Alex Morgan vs Aya Sameshima

Alex Morgan didn't score, but she assisted Carli Lloyd for the USWNT's first goal. Like in previous matches, Alex has proven to be a key player.

Long-distance shots, crosses, runs through the sidelines, wall passes, you name it. Morgan is stepping up and will become the player to follow in the following years.

Aya Sameshima tried to stop her, but it was just too much.

Score: 9/10

Carli Lloyd vs Mizuho Sakaguchi

Carli Lloyd scored both goals for the USWNT, and she did it in style. The 30-year-old managed to control the midfield, but also, she appeared when the team needed her the most.

Lloyd was unstoppable and impeccable tonight and gave arguably her best game so far. Despite Sakaguchi's heart and desire to stay next to her and make her uncomfortable, Carli was just playing a game out of this world.

By the way, it was precisely Carli Lloyd who scored in the final match four years ago in Beijing, at the 96th minute.

Score: 10/10

Megan Rapinoe vs Nahomi Kawasumi

An explosive player like Megan Rapinoe makes a huge difference on the pitch. Tonight, Megan managed to unbalance Japan's midfield.

Rapinoe put Nahomi Kawasumi under pressure and showed that her physical condition was better than the Japanese.

Megan didn't do much in the last 45 minutes despite numerous opportunities to make an even bigger difference with her crosses.

Score: 8/10

Christie Rampone vs Aya Miyama

Christie Rampone is the first man or woman to win three gold medals in Olympic football. It's true that Asuna Tanaka put her in distress, but Rampone kept her cool.

USA’s No. 3 not only led the defense like she has done in so many years, she also became a huge clearance off the line and became Hope Solo's primary help to prevent Japan from winning their first.

Christie's performance proved, yet again, why she's the captain of this team.

Score: 9/10

Hope Solo vs Yuki Ogimi

After a shaky game against Canada, Hope Solo shut up all the talking that surrounded her. The USWNT goalkeeper saved the squad in numerous occasions from losing the match.

The first response came when she saved Ogimi's header, just seconds after Rampone made a clearance off the line. Solo's first important appearance gave confidence and inspiration to the team.

Yuki Ogimi was just one of the Japanese that put Hope under pressure. Aya Miyama and Mana Iwabuchi tried to surprise the American goalie that kept composure and discipline throughout the 90 minutes of the match.

Score: 10/10