USA vs. Japan: Last-Minute Preview for Women's World Cup Final 2015

The women of the United States national team know what happens when you take Japan lightly. Heavily favored going into the final at the 2011 World Cup, the U.S. twice allowed Japan to work their way back into the game before eventually losing in penalty kicks.

"That heartbreak never goes away," Abby Wambach said, per Laura Vecsey of Fox Sports. "It's not about revenge or avenging that loss. I feel an air of confidence and we don't overlook Japan for one minute because they are a very, very organized team."

Time (ET)	Network	Stream
7 p.m.	Fox	Fox Sports Go

The U.S. find themselves in a similar position heading into Sunday's anticipated rematch. Odds Shark has the Yanks as a 2-7 favorite, which means bettors would have to wager $350 to win $100. Japan's two goals from the 2011 matchup would be two times what the United States have given up the entire tournament; their one goal allowed is tied for the second-fewest in history going into a final, per ESPN Stats & Info (behind Germany in 2007). 

Controversial goaltender Hope Solo has posted five shutouts as she gets close to setting an all-time record. If Japan does not score within the first 28 minutes, the U.S. will set an all-time record for consecutive minutes without a goal allowed, per ESPN Stats & Info. The defense has played a large part in that, consistently preventing opponents from getting shots on goal.

"I think Hope is very happy with that," right back Ali Krieger told reporters of Solo's relative inactivity before the semifinal. "I think she is prepared no matter what. She is the best goalkeeper in the world and she is prepared and professional enough to be ready whenever that moment comes. She is always on her toes, always prepared and ready for a big play. I have no concern about that."

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Japan have battled their way into the final via a series of one-goal victories. Each of their six victories came by just a single goal, and their semifinal against England required some historically good luck. England's Laura Bassett was charged with one of the most heartbreaking own goals in international soccer history in the 92nd minute, giving Japan a 2-1 victory.

“I think they desired too much to go to the final and that might have affected the mentality in some players,” Japan coach Norio Sasaki told reporters through a translator. “But now we are going to the final and I don’t think that kind of pressure is there anymore because they’re in the final.”

Of course, Japan are far from unmotivated. The U.S. atoned for their 2011 World Cup loss the following year in the Olympics, earning an impressive 2-1 victory. Carli Lloyd, who has had a brilliant World Cup run, scored both goals for the U.S. in that triumph.

"That bitter feeling I had that day has stayed with me for the past three years," Japanese captain Aya Miyama told reporters.

Michael Chow-USA TODAY Sports

Still, with the U.S. going without a World Cup championship since 1999, not even an Olympic gold medal can quite compare to what's on the table Sunday. For Wambach, the 35-year-old stalwart whose international career is winding down, it's all she can think about. 

"All I care about is winning this World Cup," Wambach said, per Graham Hays of ESPNW.com. "And, of course, it being my last World Cup chance, we're one game away. It excites me. And it's really nerve-racking. It's brutal. I'm not going to say this because it's brutal to sit on the bench because I'm not playing; it's brutal to sit on the bench because I really feel like it's taking years off my life."

Wambach has sacrificed throughout this World Cup, taking a backseat as younger stars emerge. She did not enter the game until the 80th minute against Germany, wasn't in until the 86th against China and may not emerge at all in the final. Lloyd has taken over the primary scoring role with three goals, and Megan Rapinoe will look to add to her two goals on her 30th birthday.

If the United States can match their two goals from the 2011 title game, they should cruise to a victory. If they can't, however, we could see Japan hoisting the trophy in another shocking upset.