After a frantic and action packed first half, the USA are 45 minutes away from their fourth gold medal. There's little doubt the USA is lucky to be in the lead after Japan created several fantastic opportunities, but couldn't beat Hope Solo or the crossbar. They'll need to tighten their defense and keep organized if they want to withstand the inevitable Japanase onslaught on goal that we're going to see during the second half. Another goal would be nice too.

Japan tested the USA defense again right off the bat in the second half. Ohno made a great play to earn a free kick to the left of the 18-yard box. The curling free kick was punched away by Solo but not before a solid collision involving multiple players. Rachel Buehler was involved in the crash as well and briefly left the pitch after receiving treatment.

Here is Buehler's rugby tackle of Kumagi.

You could make a case that the USA got away with their second potential penalty of the match. Might of been a possible red card too, yikes.

Follow along with our live coverage of the final in our USA Vs. Japan, London 2012 Olympics StoryStream.