US vs. Japan: Form Guide, Live Stream for 2015 Women's World Cup Final

The United States women's national team battles defending champion Japan on Sunday in an attempt to wrestle the World Cup title back in their possession after losing to them four years ago in the final. 

Vancouver hosts the final in what has been an outstanding 2015 tournament watched by millions across the globe. 

USWNT were slow to start in the group phase but have improved their performance with solid defending and their physical driving style. 

Japan have only been consistent during the competition as they look to hold on to the trophy, but it is ominous they have yet to hit top form before the last game of the tournament. 

Todd Korol/Getty Images

Here is how you can watch the World Cup final—live from Canada—with information on both teams' current form:

Date: Sunday, July 5

Time: 7 p.m. (ET), 12 a.m. Monday (BST)

Live Stream: Fox Sports 2Go (U.S. only); BBC iPlayer (UK only)

TV Info: Fox Sports (U.S. only); BBC Two and HD, Eurosport and HD (UK only)

Team	Form
United States	WDWWW
Japan	WWWWW

World Cup Redemption for USWNT

Todd Korol/Getty Images

After suffering heartbreak four years ago in Germany, the United States will seek independence from their demons as they once again face Japan in a World Cup final.

The game falls just one day after the famous July Fourth celebrations—taking place just south of the Canadian border—and a huge following are expected to make their way to Vancouver to cheer USWNT over the final hurdle.

America were defeated by the Japanese in the 2011 final, losing the match in a dramatic penalty shootout. The USA were hot favourites to lift the trophy that day, but as with Germany and Sweden before, the Japanese were too much in the end. 

The USA started this campaign slowly with an unconvincing set of performances in the group stage. A draw in their second game against the Swedes underlined the lack of firepower in the USWNT ranks, with Alex Morgan returning from injury and Abby Wambach no longer the force of previous years. 

Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

However, the knockouts sparked Jill Ellis' team to life, and the United States coach has found her tactics to be strong in the biggest tests. 

The defensive Chinese were beaten in a professional manner after the USA saw off a youthful and talented Colombian side. 

But the ultimate test against the best team in the world was passed with flying colours, as Ellis' women battled a punch-drunk German team into submission. 

Germany struggled in the previous round against France, despite a glut of goals in the groups stages, and the Americans made sure they focused on their opponent's deficiencies and took care of business in style. 

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Japan came into the tournament fourth in the world rankings, but they were relatively unfancied. However, a kind draw allowed them to progress with consummate ease, finding only the English a tough task in the semis. 

England were the superior team in Japan's last match, with the World Cup holders unable to press their technical game on their opponents. 

America have a similar physicality to the English but with a stronger defence and world-class names. This could pay dividends if the Japanese cannot find their best form, with the side so reliant on pass and move. 

The surface might work against America, who found the new artificial turf difficult in the opening games. However, Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl chose to look at the positives of the surface:

Michael Cummings of Bleacher Report thinks it will be second time lucky for USWNT, feeling the Americans have what it takes to beat a currently lacklustre Japanese team:

Rightfully, the Americans are the overwhelming favourites, but Japan should only be overlooked with caution. They are still the best team in the world when it comes to possession, but their finishing is nowhere near good enough at present.

A bad penalty award and fluke own goal got them through against the English, and the USA are likely to be much tougher in the defensive areas.

Carli Lloyd has been sensational for USWNT in Canada, and she holds the key to make America world champions once again. Her movement in the No. 10 role will be difficult for the Japanese to track, and she has the finishing quality to be the game's catalyst.

However, most important is Morgan's return to fitness. She is dynamic and a leader at the top of the park, and she might have saved her best until last to get America over the line.