VANCOUVER — It’s the matchup everyone wants and deserves.
The United States has been thinking about getting back to the World Cup final ever since July 17, 2011 — a date Abby Wambach can quickly rattle off being that it’s ingrained in her brain like a family member’s birthday. The fact that the U.S. gets another shot at Japan on this particular stage after losing in penalty kicks on that day four years ago is even better.
Japan has been thinking about getting another opportunity to play the U.S. for almost just as long. Saturday, coach Norio Sasaki thanked the U.S. for helping his program grow over the last four years, but said winning consecutive World Cup titles—and beating the U.S. both times—would further cement Japan as a world power.
Sunday marks the third time these countries will play in a major title game in four years. But in the Americans’ eyes, winning that gold medal in the 2012 Olympics won’t be as sweet as hoisting a World Cup trophy, something it hasn’t done since 1999.
American players say this isn’t a revenge game, but there’s nothing they think about more than losing to Japan.
“There’s no reserving energy. It’s full throttle,” Carli Lloyd said. “We’re really confident with the way we’re looking now. We’re feeling good, recovered and we’ll be ready to go.”
Here are three keys to a U.S. victory over Japan in the World Cup final, which kicks off at 7 p.m. ET on FOX.
(USA TODAY Sports)
Don’t mess with the starting lineup
Wambach has voiced her opinion about keeping things the same, as has Lloyd. So it seems unlikely Jill Ellis would shake things up from her 4-5-1 formation that was so successful against Germany in the semifinal.
Alex Morgan was the lone striker while Lloyd was given the freedom to roam and attack in the midfield, sitting slightly higher than Lauren Holiday and Morgan Brian. Those two locked down the middle of the field, which prevented Germany from finding space and combining, while Lloyd scored a goal and had an assist. Japan is more patient than Germany, but this tactic would still work in the final.
The U.S. also had more quality chances by using skilled players on the flanks in Megan Rapinoe and Tobin Heath, who out-ran the Germans and sent balls in. This will be an exciting battle out wide, as Japan is better skilled and faster than Germany.
(Getty)
The back line
The U.S. will face arguably the best, most creative attacker in the world in Aya Miyama. The Japanese captain is quick, deceptive and can knock the best defenders off balance, which is something central defenders Julie Johnston and Becky Sauerbrunn will have to be aware of.
The Americans have not conceded a goal since the opening match against Australia, and no team has really come close since. The stout back line has provided a wall intruders cannot break, leaving Hope Solo to be a spectator most games.
Japan is patient and will try to break down that wall, so the entire team will have to get back and defend at times, but also pick and choose times to pressure up the field as it’s done so successfully the last two games.
“Our players have to be defenders first,” Ellis said. “But I definitely want our outside backs to be able to get forward and want our center backs to be comfortable on the ball technically. A big part of it is mentally. You have to be a beast back there, sacrifice your body and do whatever it takes. And the relationship with our goalkeeper is critical.”
(USA TODAY Sports)
Trust their depth
Throughout this tournament, the U.S. has constantly said to win a World Cup it would take “all 23 players.” Ellis often makes substitutions late in games, whether it be inserting Kelley O’Hara, Wambach or Sydney Leroux who can come in and provide a spark.
O’Hara was the difference against Germany when she scored a goal in the 84th minute to put the U.S. up 2-0.
In a final especially, the Americans will need fresh legs off the bench in the second half or overtime when Japan is getting tired to re-energize the attack.
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