Watch Usa vs Japan Live Streaming Soccer
After exorcising the ghosts of embarrassing World Cup semi-final exits in 2003 and 2007 with a last-four victory over France, former women's superpowers USA have the chance to climb back to the sport's summit this Sunday. Only minnows Japan, who have exceeded all expectations in making the final for the first time in their history, stand in the way of Christie Rampone's side securing a record-breaking third World Cup triumph.
However, USA's position as final favourites is one that few outside of their own uber-confident camp could have predicted before the tournament began. The Stars and Stripes were mentioned as contenders, but it was more out of respect for past glories than genuine belief they could hold the trophy aloft in Frankfurt on July 17.
However, USA's position as final favourites is one that few outside of their own uber-confident camp could have predicted before the tournament began. The Stars and Stripes were mentioned as contenders, but it was more out of respect for past glories than genuine belief they could hold the trophy aloft in Frankfurt on July 17.
The word 'crisis' was used in some quarters to describe the state of the national team prior to the finals as a first ever failure to reach the CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup final last year was followed by high-profile defeats to Sweden in January and England in April - their first loss to the Lionesses in 22 years.
USA opened their World Cup campaign in morale-boosting style by seeing off North Korea and Colombia with relative ease. But the rollercoaster restarted with a loss to Sweden in the final group game and they were left with an unenviable quarter-final clash with 2007 runners-up Brazil. Marta ran the show, scoring twice to put the South Americans 2-1 up going into the final seconds of extra-time, but a resilient USA outfit strained every sinew for an equaliser. In the 122nd minute in extra-time, Abby Wambach came up with the goods in dramatic fashion, heading home a leveller to pave the way for a penalty shootout victory. The Washington Post described the goal as an "act of spellbinding theatre" and it may prove to be the defining moment of the tournament.
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