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After a grueling month of games it has come down to just two teams -- the USA and Japan. The great story line to this Women's World Cup Final is that this is a rematch of the 2011 final that saw the USWNT blow two leads against Japan and lose the Final on penalty kicks.
The USWNT looked less than stellar on the field as they played through the group stages of the tournament. Placed in the so-called Group of Death the team lacked an attack and fans began to worry that the team might not make it to the final as so many had predicted. Since then Carli Lloyd has caught fire and scored a goal in the last three games for the United States. With Morgan Brian and Lauren Holiday starting Lloyd has been able to roam the field and attack, a key element the team was missing at the start of the tournament. The defensive four for the US have been outstanding and on the occasion an opponent gets a ball past them goal keeper Hope Solo has been there to clean it up.
Japan is by far the most technically gifted team in the tournament, but they almost didn't make it to the Final. In their Semifinal match-up against England it took an own goal from England during stoppage time for Japan to win. The team hasn't lost a single game this tournament winning six in six, but they won each game by just one goal. Japan have dominated possession against their opponents and will look to continue that against the US while keeping the ball away from Carli Lloyd and the US midfield. They haven't had a clear goal scorer as their eight tournament goals have come from from seven different players. Teams have had a hard time scoring on Japan who have given up just three goals all tournament long.
Prediction
2-1, the USA ain't losing this game
How to watch
6 pm, CT
FOX
If you are in the Houston, TX area the Houston Dash are hosting a watch party at The Phoenix on Westheimer. Dash players Ellie Brush and Megan Kinneman will be in attendance at the party. The American Outlaws-Houston will host their watch party at Lucky's Pub Downtown Houston.
Dash Connection-
Carli Lloyd, Morgan Brian and Meghan Klingenberg have all been starting for the United States. Brian started the tournament on the bench but has started the last couple of games and has made a huge impact as it has allowed Lloyd the freedom to move up the field.