Women's World Cup 2015: USA vs. Japan Final Schedule and Pick

Gianni VerschuerenJul 4, 2015

The USA and Japan will once again meet in the final of a major tournament, going head-to-head on Sunday, July 5, at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Japan beat the USA four years ago to win the title, while the Stars and Stripes got their revenge a year later at the 2012 Olympics. The Yanks will once again be favourites heading into the match, but after the shock upset in Germany four years ago, no one will be underestimating Japan.

Nadeshiko Japan look as threatening as ever, while the USA put together their best performance of the tournament in a 2-0 win over Germany in the semi-finals. Both sides appear to be in strong form, and Sunday's clash should be must-watch TV for fans around the globe.

Preview

EDMONTON, AB - JULY 01: Jill Scott of England in action against Japan during the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 Semi Final match at Commonwealth Stadium on July 1, 2015 in Edmonton, Canada. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

The semi-finals of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup provided plenty of drama and controversy, as both the USA and Japan were given dubious penalties that had a big impact on the outcomes of their matches.

The Yanks thoroughly deserved their 2-0 win over Germany, but things could have been very different had Celia Sasic converted an early penalty, a foul for which Julie Johnston really should have seen a red card. On top of that, FourFourTwo's Andrew Gibney was certain the foul on Alex Morgan that gave the Americans a penalty of their own happened outside of the box:

Meanwhile, Japan took the lead against England via a penalty, although replays showed Saori Ariyoshi was clearly outside of the box when she was fouled. The Lionesses tied things up from the spot, but in injury time, Laura Bassett hit an unfortunate own goal that sent Japan to the final.

The Japanese side played perhaps their worst match of the tournament against England, but given their excellent form in the previous matches, fans shouldn't look too much into that. Per NBC Sports' Jeff Kassouf, star striker Abby Wambach certainly isn't:

"
In order to be the best team in the world at the World Cup, you have to beat the best teams. We just beat the No. 1 team in the world in Germany and now we face Japan, another team that we have so much respect for. They have an amazing team and they’re the reigning World Cup champions so I think it’s going to be a fantastic final. Everyone will have to bring their ‘A’ game and whoever finishes their chances the most will come out on top. Hopefully it will be us.
"

No team moves the ball better than Japan, whose quick passing has given their opponents fits throughout the tournament. Bassett's own goal in the semi-finals was no coincidence―instead, it was the result of Japan's relentless pressure and the high pace of their passing game.

Possession is key for the team, and going up against the duo of Megan Rapinoe and Carli Lloyd won't make things easy. The two have been instrumental in the midfield for the USA, and Lloyd in particular stood out against the Germans. Major League Soccer was not surprised by her massive impact on that match:

Somewhat lost in the excitement surrounding the team is the fact Morgan has been unusually quiet during the knockout stages, and against Japan's tight defence, that will have to change. The defending champions give up very little space close to the box, so Morgan will have to be at her very best.

If she's not, manager Jill Ellis should consider introducing the veteran Wambach a little earlier. If there's one weakness to this Japanese team, it's defending set pieces and crosses, and there are few better at converting those than Wambach. Besides, per the Dan Patrick Show's Paul Pabst, the bench doesn't really suit her:

Japan's tactics heading into this match are simple: more of the same. Of the nine goals the side has scored during the tournament, only two have come from the same player, star midfielder Aya Miyama.

Sharing the ball has worked wonders for Nadeshiko Japan, who do an excellent job of attacking the box with numbers and sending midfielders into the areas behind the strikers. The USA's defence has been exemplary so far, but it'll face a stern test on Sunday.

That said, the Yanks are peaking at just the right time and have the physical advantage in the midfield. If the side can remain focused for the full 90 minutes, they should come away with the win.

Final prediction: USA 2-1 Japan

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