Women's World Cup Schedule 2015: Key Details for 3rd Place, Championship Games

Japan edged the United States in penalty kicks to capture its first Women's World Cup trophy four years ago. Now the reigning champions will face off with the Americans once again in a highly anticipated championship rematch.

The weekend slate also includes the third-place game between Germany and England. Both sides lost their semifinal matches in excruciating fashion, so it will be intriguing to see which team is able to bounce back mentally on Saturday.

Let's check out the complete schedule for the final round of action from Canada. That's followed by a preview and prediction for the two remaining contests.

Placement Round Schedule

Game	Date	Time (ET)	TV	Team	Team
3rd Place	July 4	4 p.m.	Fox	Germany	England
Championship	July 5	7 p.m.	Fox	United States	Japan

Game Predictions

Germany vs. England

As previously mentioned, these two teams are coming off emotionally draining defeats that could have easily gone the other way on a different day.

Germany failed to capitalize on an opportunity from the penalty spot as Celia Sasic shot wide, then watched the Americans score following a controversial penalty call. It allowed the United States to defend and counter, eventually adding a second goal.

England's loss was even more heartbreaking. The Three Lionesses put together a strong performance to stay stride for stride with the defending champions for nearly all of regulation. But an own goal off the leg of Laura Bassett in the second minute of stoppage time was ultimately the difference.

Afterward, head coach Mark Sampson told his players that it was fine to let their emotions out, as noted by Victor Mather of the New York Times.

"I've told them it's OK to cry," Sampson said. "They left everything on the field, and it's a really tough way to go out."

That said, captain Stephanie Houghton is expecting a strong bounce-back in the consolation game:

However, Germany, the top-ranked team in the world, is the more talented side. And while there are obviously more factors in a game like this—whether third-place matches are even necessary is a worthwhile debate—it's still something that must be considered.

It's hard to imagine either squad showcasing top form, so expect another close match that isn't decided until deep into the second half. By then, the disappointment should have worn off and the competitive juices will be flowing, and that's when the German talent advantage should shine through.

Prediction: 2-1 Germany

United States vs. Japan

Japan always represents a difficult challenge for the United States because of its style of play. Norio Sasaki's side is strong on the ball, limit their mistakes and can control possession for extended stretches, which can wear down an opponent's back line.

The American attack has been merely average throughout the tournament. It's the back line that's really carried them to the final, giving up a single goal in the group opener and then registering five consecutive clean sheets with Hope Solo having to do very little.

Now the question is whether the group, led by Julie Johnston, can maintain that efficiency against a Japanese group that's not going to give the ball away so easily.

Longtime team leader Abby Wambach is looking forward to the all-around challenge, according to The Associated Press:

"

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.

"

If they need any extra motivation other than becoming world champions, the loss four years ago provides it, in the opinion of Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl:

Quite simply, this match has the feeling of one where a mistake is going to change the entire complexion of the final. Both sides are capable of playing such technically strong soccer that it's going to take either an outstanding play or an error to create a golden scoring opportunity.

Given the way the United States defense has played throughout the World Cup, you have to give the Americans a slight edge in that type of atmosphere. But it should be another memorable encounter—just like the last two times these teams have met with a marquee title on the line.

Prediction: 1-0 United States