United States vs. Japan: Latest Comments, Odds and World Cup Final Predictions

The United States and Japan will square off for the second FIFA Women’s World Cup final in succession on Sunday, adding an intriguing dimension to what’s already a hugely prestigious affair.

Reigning champions Japan edged past England in the semi-finals in the most dramatic way possible to secure their place in the Vancouver showpiece, while the United States were ruthless in downing pre-tournament favourites Germany to get this far. But all of the effort expended so far will count for nothing unless they’re victorious on Sunday evening.

Here’s a closer look at the latest buzz ahead of the final, how the bookmakers are seeing things and which team is likely to be lifting the trophy.

Match Result After 90 mins
To Lift the Trophy
United States	11-13
Draw	5-2
Japan	4-1
United States	2-5
Japan	15-8

United States Out for Revenge Against Japan

Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

There were few expecting Japan to oust the United States in the Germany final four years ago. The USWNT were the most formidable team on the planet going into that World Cup, and although the 2011 winners come into this one as reigning champions, there’s a similar feel about this game.

Japan, after all, were pretty fortunate against England. The Three Lionesses knocked them out of rhythm with some astute pressing and conjured the clearer openings in the game. But a hugely fortunate Laura Bassett own goal in stoppage time saw Norio Sasaki’s team progress.

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

The coach admitted that his team will need to do better against the USWNT, per AFP (via Yahoo.com):

"

Today we had a tough game. I thought we could play the way we wanted to and we could stick to our plan, but they were playing in a very simple manner and they were also powerful.

[…]

In the final against the USA I think we can go in with a fresh perspective.

It's a final and there is nothing beyond that. We must not be afraid to make mistakes. This is what I will tell the players.

"

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Japan do deserve credit, though. They stood up to the pressure England put them under, clung on in the contest and, eventually, got the stroke of luck that every team needs if they are to go on and seize major tournament glory.

Indeed, as noted by Cristian Nyari of FCB Media, the team probably didn’t get the credit they deserved given the dramatic manner in which the game ended:

Nonetheless, they are going to have to up the ante against a United States side that is beginning to build up a head of steam. Once again, Jill Ellis’ players where functional rather than fluid in their match against Germany, but they were clinical in precarious moments and, in the end, thoroughly deserved their victory.

Elsa/Getty Images

If the comments from centre-forward Abby Wambach are anything to go by, the USWNT will be delighted to be getting another shot at Japan in the final, too, per the Dan Patrick Show (h/t Joe Prince-Wright of ProSoccerTalk.com): 

"

We wanted to play Germany because we wanted to play the best in the world because when we leave this tournament we want to feel like we are the world champions. In order to do that you have to beat the best teams. ... Of course, it would make for a fairytale ending in terms of playing Japan in the final.

"

Elsa/Getty Images

Neither Wambach nor any of her fellow forwards have been at their very best throughout this tournament. But the defensive platform provided at the back has been formidable to this point, with Hope Solo a tremendous influence between the sticks.

As noted here by the team’s official Twitter feed, the USWNT have not conceded a goal in this World Cup since the early stages of their opening game:

It’s this defensive structure that another victory will be founded upon in the final. Japan really struggled for incision against a tenacious England, and while Mark Sampson’s side have been industrious throughout the tournament, the United States are a class above when it comes to this facet of the game.

Expect the USWNT to play with purpose in this match and not be afraid to go direct when the situation dictates. Ultimately, they’ll overwhelm Japan in midfield and outmuscle them up front, paving the way for an historic victory that’ll finally banish the demons of their World Cup heartache from four years ago.

Prediction: United States 2-0 Japan

Odds accurate as of 12:30 p.m. (BST), July 2. For full odds and other markets check out OddsChecker.com.