Japan Tops USA For First Time Ever In Grueling Women's World Cup Final

Women's World Cup TV Ratings Info Released; USA-Japan Sixth Most Watched Soccer Game Ever in U.S.

ESPN revealed Monday that their broadcast of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup final had scored a very good overnight rating of 8.6, but that wasn't the whole story. On Tuesday, ESPN released all of the details of the ratings, including comparisons to other soccer broadcasts on their family of networks, including ABC, and the stats are impressive.

The Women's World Cup final match between the USA and Japan was watched by a total of 13,458,000 viewers, making it the sixth most watched soccer broadcast of all time in the United States and the most watched soccer broadcast ever on ESPN. This means it beat out matches like the classic USA vs. Algeria match in the men's World Cup last year, multiple editions of El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona, some major EPL derbies and multiple Champions League finals.

USA-Japan was also a hit on ESPN3.com, where 548,000 people watched the game, making it the eighth most viewed event ever on the service and the second most watched event that was not part of the 2010 World Cup.

US World Cup Team Receives Warm Welcome On Return Home

The U.S. Women's World Cup team stepped off the bus in Newark N.J., just 24 hours after their loss in the finals of the World Cup, to cheers.

Then they had another bus ride to Manhattan where they came across a few hundred more fans who cheered some more. 

But the friendly welcome home started at the airport, where fans met them and security guards posed for pictures with the World Cup finalists. 

"Really humbling, and truthfully it's probably brought my spirits up more than anything else could have," Abby Wambach said. "I am so disappointed for my teammates, myself. I am so disappointed for our country because I really feel like we had it. It was so close.

"Coming home to this kind of reception is truly one of the best things that has ever happened."

However, the Women's team is still feeling the hurt of the loss.

Hope Solo said she was taking the loss pretty hard. Heather O'Reilly said she was feeling the sting of a loss the team will never forget.

"It's obviously been a big disappointment," Heather O'Reilly. "A lot of tears, a lot of laughter, telling stories of the last month together-one that we will never forget. This group is special. We will bounce back. We have shown our resilience this whole tournament. I think Americans know that we will bounce back."

 

Women's World Cup: U.S. Soccer's Loss To Japan Draws Huge TV Ratings

Everyone knew that the final of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup was going to do solid ratings in the United States after the United States' dramatic run, but even the most optimistic of footy fans and ESPN executives probably didn't think it was going to do this well. Per ESPN Public Relations guy Bill Hofheimer, the broadcast of USA vs. Japan averaged an 8.6 rating.

This is slightly smaller than the 13.3 rating that the 1999 final did on ABC, but that match was on network television instead of cable. Additionally, due to the World Cup taking place in the United States, there was much more hype surrounding the team before the final. By all accounts, the ratings also dwarfed those of the final round of the British Open, which was broadcast on the same day by ESPN.

2011 Women's World Cup: Japan Victory Inspires A Nation

While American audiences were heartbroken to watch the US women's team lose in penalty kicks in the 2011 World Cup Finals, Japan's victory was a boon to a nation that's had its fair share of suffering in the past year.

"This is really a happy moment for the Japanese to boost up the energy, because we've heard so many tragedies and bad stories," said Romi Satoh, a native of Hokkaido, Japan. "And this is something to really energize people."

Lost in our disappointing and constant-tweeting is the fact that this is the greatest moment in the history of Japanese women's soccer. And it couldn't have come at a better time, for the team and for the country.

"Everybody in the Japanese national team has received some kind of power and strength from those Japanese who strive for rehabilitation after the earthquake and the tsunami," he said. "On the other hand, those who are struggling for rehabilitation and reconstruction in Japan have received a lot of strength and power and encouragement from this Japanese national team."

It was Japan's first trip to the World Cup final and the first time an Asian country has won the trophy since the tournament began in 1991.

For all of our updates from the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final, check out our World Cup Final StoryStream. Also taking place Sunday are the Copa America quarterfinals, so head over to our Brazil vs. Paraguay StoryStream for updates on that. For all kinds of coverage on world football, check out SB Nation Soccer.

2011 Women's World Cup Final Shatters Twitter Record

USA Vs. Japan, 2011 Women's World Cup Final: Japan Prevails On Penalty Kicks, 3-1

It wasn't to be for the USWNT. For the first time in the history of the Women's World Cup, the United States has ended their tournament with a loss. In all prior tournaments they have finished in either first or third place, but they will have to settle for second tonight, as Japan are champions of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup after winning 3-1 on penalty kicks after extra time finished with the game locked in a 2-2 draw. All three of the first three penalty takers for the USA women's soccer team missed their penalty kicks.

This was also a first, as the United States had never missed in a penalty shootout in the World Cup before this World Cup final. Shannon Boxx, who stepped up first had her effort saved. Japan's first taker, Aya Miyama, converted her penalty. The USWNT's second penalty taker Carli Lloyd skied her shot over the bar, but Hope Solo kept hope alive for the United States when she made a save, keeping it 1-0. Tobin Heath quickly erased that progress, though, as she become the third consecutive USWNT player to miss when she stepped up. Abby Wambach eventually scored to keep the United States alive for one more penalty taker, but Saki Kumagai netted the winner for Japan, giving them the victory 3-1 on penalties.

The first half of the match ended scoreless, but it was the United States who had most of the chances to open the scoring. They produced 12 shots in the first half, with many of them narrowly missing the goal by less than a foot. However, they were only able to put one shot on target - their first shot of the match.

In the second half, the United States opened the scoring when substitute Alex Morgan scored a fantastic far-post finish in the 69th minute after running onto a brilliant long ball from Megan Rapinoe. Their lead would be short lived, though, as Aya Miyama capitalized on poor defending and a botched clearance by Rachel Buehler to score Japan's equalizer, forcing extra time.

Everything appeared to be in the bag for the U.S. women when Abby Wambach scored on a simple, unmarked header in the 104th minute, assisted by Alex Morgan. That lead evaporated in the 116th minute, though, thanks to a goal on a header by World Cup Golden Boot (and probably Golden Ball) winner Homare Sawa, who netted her fifth goal of the tournament to tie the game at 2-2.

Things got a bit dicey for Japan at the end as Azusa Iwashimizu was shown a straight red card for denying a clear goal scoring opportunity, hauling down Alex Morgan in the 120th minute, but nothing came of the ensuing free kick. Japan went on to win the match in penalty kicks, making Iwashimizu's decision to take a red card for her team look like a fantastic one.

This victory is the first World Cup title for Japan, who had never advanced past the quarterfinals in previous tournaments. The 2011 World Cup marked only their second time in the knockout stages of the competition. Based on the road they took to get to the title, defeating Germany, Sweden and the United States in succession, Japan's win is one of the most impressive accomplishments in the history of world football.

For all of our updates from the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final, check out our World Cup Final StoryStream. Also taking place Sunday are the Copa America quarterfinals, so head over to our Brazil vs. Paraguay StoryStream for updates on that. For all kinds of coverage on world football, check out SB Nation Soccer.

USA Vs. Japan, 2011 Women's World Cup Final: Homare Sawa Goal Forces Penalties

The final of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup is headed to penalty kicks, much to the surprise of no one. Yes, Abby Wambach scored what was seemingly the winner in the 104th minute - the 14th minute of extra time - but followers of the team know that the USWNT can't possibly do anything the easy way. Like it was written for a movie script, Homare Sawa scored an equalizer with a great header in the second half, becoming the leading goal scorer in the tournament and equalizing for Japan. It's 2-2 after 120 minutes, and the teams head to penalties.

Incredibly, the United States had a chance to win the game even after Sawa's equalizer. In the 120th minute, Alex Morgan was hauled down on the edge of the penalty area by Azusa Iwashimizu, who was shown a straight red card for denial of a clear goal scoring opportunity. With the time on the clock reading what it did, she ultimately made the correct decision to take the sending off for her team, and her tackle has given her team a 50-50 chance to win the game with spot kicks at the end.

Since this is a scripted tournament - I think Hope Solo's biopic, actually - it would be going against the script for Solo not to make a big save or two.

For live updates throughout the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final, keep it on our World Cup Final StoryStream. Also taking place right now are the Copa America quarterfinals, so head over to our Brazil vs. Paraguay StoryStream for updates on that. For all kinds of coverage on world football, check out SB Nation Soccer.

VIDEO: Abby Wambach Goal In USA-Japan Extra Time

Women's World Cup Final 2011, USA Vs. Japan: Abby Wambach Goal Puts USWNT Ahead In Extra Time

At halftime in extra time, the USA women's soccer team are just 15 minutes away from hoisting the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. Thanks to a great setup by Alex Morgan and a headed goal by Abby Wambach, who has put the United States ahead 2-1 in the World Cup final.

The first period of extra time was a bit of a cagey affair, with both teams looking a little less ambitious than they did during the 90 minutes of regular time, and understandably so. Still, it was the United States who had the best of the play throughout the 15 minutes, creating what few chances there were. Just a couple of minutes before the whistle was going to blow to end the period, Wambach struck, giving her team the lead.

In the 104th minute, Morgan got herself free at the endline on the left hand side of the penalty area, hitting a cross towards the penalty spot. Wambach got inbetween two defenders and created a wide open shot for herself and made the most of it, nodding the ball into the back of the net with ease.

For live updates throughout the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final, keep it on our World Cup Final StoryStream. Also taking place right now are the Copa America quarterfinals, so head over to our Brazil vs. Paraguay StoryStream for updates on that. For all kinds of coverage on world football, check out SB Nation Soccer.

VIDEO: Aya Miyama Goal Means Extra Time For USA-Japan Women's World Cup Final

USA Vs. Japan, 2011 Women's World Cup Final: Game Headed To Extra Time After 1-1 Draw In Normal Time

The United States and Japan are headed to extra time in the final of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup after an absolutely spectacular first 90 minutes. Both teams scored in the second half, with the USA scoring first and Japan answering, forcing the extra 30 minute period. Alex Morgan looked like she was going to be the hero when she scored a great goal, assisted by Megan Rapinoe in the 69th minute, but Aya Miyama answered in the 81st minute after some poor defending by Rachel Buehler granted her an easy goal.

Extra time is 30 minutes long and there will be no golden goal. A complete description of the extra time and penalty kick rules can be found here. Both teams will likely want to avoid penalty kicks, though probably more so Japan. Ayumi Kaihori is a great goalkeeper, but Hope Solo is the absolute best of the best in the world on penalty kicks, so the United States should have an advantage if it gets that far.

For live updates throughout the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final, keep it on our World Cup Final StoryStream. Also taking place right now are the Copa America quarterfinals, so head over to our Brazil vs. Paraguay StoryStream for updates on that. For all kinds of coverage on world football, check out SB Nation Soccer.

USA Vs. Japan, 2011 Women's World Cup Final: Overtime Rules For 30 Minutes Of Extra Time

The Women's World Cup final match between the U.S. Women's National Team and Japan is headed to extra time, the soccer answer to overtime. Here's a quick overview of those "overtime" rules:

After 90 minutes, if the score is tied, play will continue in two 15-minute extra time periods. There is no golden goal during these periods, meaning that even if a team scores, play will continue until the end of the second 15-minute extra time period.The USWNT is no stranger to coming back in extra time: against Brazil, the U.S. fell behind 2-1 in overtime after a Marta goal, then equalized on Abby Wambach's 122nd-minute header, the latest goal in Women's World Cup history.

If the score is still tied after both extra time periods, play continues with penalty kicks. The teams will alternate five attempts each from the penalty spot; the team with more goals through five kicks wins. If the teams are tied after five attempts each, play continues with rounds of one penalty kick each. The U.S. won its quarterfinal match against Brazil on penalty kicks, and won the 1999 Women's World Cup on penalty kicks after a scoreless match against Japan.

For live updates throughout the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final, keep it on our World Cup Final StoryStream. Also taking place right now are the Copa America quarterfinals, so head over to our Brazil vs. Paraguay StoryStream for updates on that. For all kinds of coverage on world football, check out SB Nation Soccer.

Women's World Cup Final 2011, USA Vs. Japan: Aya Miyama Goal Equalizes Score For Japan

As it stands, it appears that the United States and Japan are headed for extra time in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup final, as Japan have found a second half equalizer through Aya Miyama. After 81 minutes, the score is tied 1-1 and the two teams seem destined for an extra period. USWNT fans won't be happy, but between a bad refereeing decision and the USA's poor defending, the goal was very much deserved.

Shortly before Alex Morgan's goal, Japan had a breakaway incorrectly stopped when the linesperson flagged for offsides. When Morgan scored there seemed to be a small sense of injustice for Japan, but they've equalized, setting up a potentially great finish. The goal came when Rachel Buehler and Ali Krieger both failed to make seemingly manageable clearances, leading to Miyama finding the ball at her feet for a tap-in. 

For live updates throughout the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final, keep it on our World Cup Final StoryStream. Also taking place right now are the Copa America quarterfinals, so head over to our Brazil vs. Paraguay StoryStream for updates on that. For all kinds of coverage on world football, check out SB Nation Soccer.

ANIMATED: Alex Morgan Goal Has Young Fan Flashing The World

USA Vs. Japan, 2011 Women's World Cup Final: Alex Morgan Goal Puts USWNT Ahead

Between her clinching goal in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup semifinals against France and her massive game winner against Italy in Padova during World Cup qualifying, Alex Morgan has shown that she has a knack for coming off the bench and scoring massive goals for the USA women's soccer team. She's duplicated that feat in the final, adding another great goal to her growing resume, as she's put the United States up by a score of 1-0 on Japan in the World Cup final.

Megan Rapinoe created the goal, showing off the technical skill that prompted Pia Sundhage to return her to the starting lineup. While she was away from her normal left midfield position, sitting deep in the center, Rapinoe saw that Morgan had a one-on-one opportunity with a defender on the counter and played a brilliant long ball. Morgan won the battle for the ball and took a shot from the edge of the penalty area, placing a fantastic shot to the far post, beating Ayumi Kaihori, who has been brilliant despite allowing the goal.

Sundhage will now have a lot to think about with her substitutions with a 1-0 lead and Japan likely to change the way they had been playing.

For live updates throughout the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final, keep it on our World Cup Final StoryStream. Also taking place right now are the Copa America quarterfinals, so head over to our Brazil vs. Paraguay StoryStream for updates on that. For all kinds of coverage on world football, check out SB Nation Soccer.

PHOTO: Barack Obama Watches Women's World Cup Final From White House With First Family

Women's World Cup Final 2011, USA Vs. Japan: Alex Morgan Substituted In For Injured Lauren Cheney

The second half is underway in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup final, and the United States have been dealt a bit of a blow. It seems that starting striker Lauren Cheney, a starter of every game for the USWNT and a Golden Ball finalist, injured her foot during the first half and has had to come out of the game. Young, speedy striker Alex Morgan has been substituted on in her place.

Morgan has been a regular as a late sub for the United States for quite some time, but this is probably a bit earlier than Pia Sundhage counted on using Morgan. One has to wonder whether or not this decision indicates that Sundhage now has more faith in Morgan than Amy Rodriguez, the extremely fast but out of form striker who is usually first choice up top.

Also, for all of the truly bizarre idiots who Google this on a daily basis: ALEX'S MORGAN'S BOYFRIEND'S NAME IS SERVANDO CARRASCO AND HE PLAYS FOR THE SEATTLE SOUNDERS. STOP GOOGLING THIS.

For live updates throughout the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final, keep it on our World Cup Final StoryStream. Also taking place right now are the Copa America quarterfinals, so head over to our Brazil vs. Paraguay StoryStream for updates on that. For all kinds of coverage on world football, check out SB Nation Soccer.

USA Vs. Japan, 2011 Women's World Cup Final: Halftime, Score Tied At 0-0

The USA women have been in control and creating chances throughout the first half of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final, but a combination of bad luck, bad finishing, and some tough defending by Japan have kept them off the board. After 45 minutes of play, the score is still tied up at 0-0, but it hasn't been a boring scoreless draw by any stretch of the imagination.

Arguably, this half has been the best half of soccer that the USWNT has put together in the entire tournament. Incredibly, they have nothing to show for it, with all of their efforts failing to produce a goal. The United States have created 12 shots, almost all of which were great chances, but only one of their shots - their first of the match - forced a save out of goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori. While most of the shots were very near misses that avoided the goal by less than a foot - Wambach's shot off the crossbar coming the closest - the fact is that the shots aren't hitting the frame and that the United States needs to do better.

Japan is likely to do a better job of keeping the ball and preventing the United States from creating scoring chances from themselves in the second half, so the finishing has to improve drastically for the USWNT. They won't get another 12 shots in the next 45 minutes, so they're going to have to make the most of the ones they get.

For live updates throughout the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final, keep it on our World Cup Final StoryStream. Also taking place right now are the Copa America quarterfinals, so head over to our Brazil vs. Paraguay StoryStream for updates on that. For all kinds of coverage on world football, check out SB Nation Soccer.

VIDEO: Abby Wambach's Missed Women's World Cup Goal Just One Of Many For USWNT

Women's World Cup Final 2011, USA Vs. Japan: Abby Wambach Rattles Crossbar

Things have settled down a bit in the final of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup and the slower tempo would seem to favor Japan. However, just like they have done in their previous two knockout stage matches, the USWNT were able to create their best chance of the match against the run of play, with a spectacular hit of the crossbar by Abby Wambach in the 28th minute.

After a fantastic flick into Wambach's path by Lauren Cheney, Wambach ran with the ball down the left flank and set herself up for a shot, taking a rip that easily beat Ayumi Kaihori. However, her shot wouldn't stay down as it rattled the crossbar, making it the 10th shot of the game by the United States that did not hit the back of the net.

Kozue Ando had Japan's best of the chance shortly afterward, as she found herself one-on-one with Hope Solo, but she hit a poor shot that Solo gobbled up easily.

For live updates throughout the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final, keep it on our World Cup Final StoryStream. Also taking place right now are the Copa America quarterfinals, so head over to our Brazil vs. Paraguay StoryStream for updates on that. For all kinds of coverage on world football, check out SB Nation Soccer.

USA Vs. Japan, 2011 Women's World Cup Final: USWNT Continues To Pile On Pressure

Just 12 minutes into the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup final, the United States are looking spectacular. The score is still tied at 0-0, but a goal seems imminent for the USWNT, who are absolutely bombing forward against Japan, creating chance after chance. It seems like they've already come close on six or seven occasions, with nearly every member of the midfield and strike force getting in on the act.

Since Lauren Cheney's opening shot, she's missed another header just wide, following a great cross from Megan Rapinoe. Rapinoe has missed a chance of her own, just barely putting a shot wide from close range. Abby Wambach and Carli Lloyd have both taken powerful shots from just outside the penalty area, but both missed high, shooting over the crossbar by less than a foot.

The USWNT might live to regret their early missed chances, but their play is still encouraging. The physical superiority of the United States is obvious, and it seems like a goal is coming soon.

For live updates throughout the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final, keep it on our World Cup Final StoryStream. Also taking place right now are the Copa America quarterfinals, so head over to our Brazil vs. Paraguay StoryStream for updates on that. For all kinds of coverage on world football, check out SB Nation Soccer.

Women's World Cup Final 2011, USA Vs. Japan: Lauren Cheney Goes Close Early

The United States is off to a fast start in the World Cup final, and it only took Lauren Cheney a minute to create a chance for the team. She's moved back to striker in place of Amy Rodriguez, who has moved to the bench, and she's justified Pia Sundhage's decision early. In a race to catch up to a long ball, Cheney was able to beat Azusa Iwashimizu to a ball, avoiding a tackle and getting to the endline. She dribbled inside and took a shot from a narrow angle, but Ayumi Kaihori saved easily. Wambach was running into the box, and Cheney might have been better served playing a pass. Nothing came of the ensuing corner kick.

Japan looks a little anxious, as they're trying more long balls and killer balls than they normally play. The USWNT is seriously pushing the pace and they're sucking Japan into their style of play early. If Japan wants to win, they're going to have to settle down and control possession.

For live updates throughout the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final, keep it on our World Cup Final StoryStream. Also taking place right now are the Copa America quarterfinals, so head over to our Brazil vs. Paraguay StoryStream for updates on that. For all kinds of coverage on world football, check out SB Nation Soccer.

Women's World Cup Final 2011, USA Vs. Japan: Key Players For USWNT And How They Win

Thanks to their history and their unmatched size, strength, and overall natural talent, the USA women's soccer team are slight favorites for the final of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. However, they're coming up against a Japan side who will frustrate them by keeping their shape just as well as they keep the ball. The United States is going to have to be on their best and stay patient if the they want to lift a third World Cup trophy. Here are some key players for the USWNT and what they have to do to win the game.

Key Players

Hope Solo - Solo is almost certainly the best goalkeeper in the world, and her heroics have kept the United States in multiple games where they were outplayed. Chances are, Japan are going to get a few good shots in and Solo will have to make some massive saves.

Shannon Boxx - Homare Sawa will be Japan's key creator, but she's also a threat to score coming forward from the midfield. Boxx will have to prevent her from receiving the ball and win the ball off her on a regular basis to prevent Japan from creating clear-cut chances.

Abby Wambach - The United States' best chances to score goals will be crosses into the box on the counter attack and set pieces. In both cases, Wambach's 6'1" frame will be the main target. 

How the USWNT Wins

Create Set Pieces - The USWNT has a massive size advantage, so their best chance to score will probably be on corner kicks, where Wambach, Boxx, and others will all have a massive size advantage over their markers. 

Use Width Effectively - Megan Rapinoe is back in the starting lineup, with Amy Rodriguez moving to the bench and Lauren Cheney moving back to striker. This gives the United States lots of pace and skill wide with Rapinoe and Heather O'Reilly. It will be important to get them the ball early and often.

Be Patient - Japan will keep the ball well. They will string 20 passes together. They would do it if the USWNT had Nigel De Jong and Javier Mascherano in the midfield. If the USWNT doesn't get frustrated and lose their shape, they should be just fine.

Check out the corresponding post about Japan, key players and how Japan wins the World Cup final.

For all of our coverage of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup semifinals and how the two teams got to the final, give our Sweden vs. Japan and USA vs. France StoryStreams a read. For all of our previous coverage of the tournament, check out our 2011 Women's World Cup section. For more on the final, bookmark this StoryStream. We'll have updates in the build-up to the game. You can catch the game on Sunday at 2:45 P.M. ET on ESPN. We'll have more information on the schedule of events and where to watch as the game approaches.

Women's World Cup Final 2011, USA Vs. Japan: Key Players For Japan And How They Win

Coming into the final of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, it's no secret that Japan has a much smaller and much more skilled team than the United States. They'll have to impose their style of play if they want to win the match. Here's a breakdown of some of Japan's key players and what they need to do to win the match.

Key Players

Homare Sawa - With four goals, the legendary Japanese No. 10 is tied for the Golden Boot going into the World Cup final. She is her team's best goal scorer and primary creator, and it almost goes without saying that she will need to be on her game for Japan.

Aya Miyama - The diminutive Japanese midfielder is arguably the greatest set piece taker in world football. Japan will have a much better chance to win if they create plenty of set pieces for her to take.

Aya Sameshima - Japan's left back, also a player for the Boston Breakers in WPS, is a very talented and extremely fit two-way fullback. Her battles both on defense and in the attack against Ali Krieger and Heather O'Reilly should be thrilling to watch.

How Japan Wins

Keep possession - Japan is one of the best passing teams in the world. If they maximize that advantage today with good possession numbers, they'll feel good about their chances.

Don't get caught cheating up - The United States is arguably most dangerous counter-attacking down the wings. Sameshima and right back Yukari Kinga will have to make sure that they don't get caught up when Japan loses the ball.

Don't give up set pieces - The biggest advantage that the USWNT has is attacking on set pieces. Japan needs to prevent the number of chances the United States gets, especially on corner kicks, to keep them off the scoreboard.

Check out the corresponding post about the United States, key players and how the USWNT wins the World Cup final.

For all of our coverage of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup semifinals and how the two teams got to the final, give our Sweden vs. Japan and USA vs. France StoryStreams a read. For all of our previous coverage of the tournament, check out our 2011 Women's World Cup section. For more on the final, bookmark this StoryStream. We'll have updates in the build-up to the game. You can catch the game on Sunday at 2:45 P.M. ET on ESPN. We'll have more information on the schedule of events and where to watch as the game approaches.

Women's World Cup 2011 Final, USA Vs. Japan: Japan Lineup

While the United States have done some shuffling of their lineup ahead of the 2011 Women's World Cup Final, Japan are sticking with a winning formula and fielding the same team that they did against Sweden in the semifinals. Kozue Ando and Nahomi Kawasumi will lead the line of what looks like an odd cross between a flat 4-4-2 and a 4-4-2 midfield diamond, with Homare Sawa (who has four goals in the tournament) and Sakaguchi taking point and base respectively while Shinobu Ohno and Aya Miyama play very wide.

Japan can get away with this (the shape would normally leave huge holes in the middle) because they're so good at keeping the ball. If the USWNT wants to get hold of the match early, they'll have to find a way of shutting down Japan's midfield play. The United States might be favourites, but Japan have already performed a giant-killing already in this tournament. There's no reason that they couldn't do it again.

Japan (4-4-2): Ayumi Kaihori; Yukari Kinga, Azusa Iwashimizu, Saki Kumagai, Aya Sameshima; Shinobu Ohno, Mizuho Sakaguchi, Homare Sawa, Aya Miyama; Nahomi Kawasumi, Kozue Ando

For all of our coverage of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup semifinals and how the two teams got to the final, give our Sweden vs. Japan and USA vs. France StoryStreams a read. For all of our previous coverage of the tournament, check out our 2011 Women's World Cup section. For more on the final, bookmark this StoryStream. We'll have updates in the build-up to the game. You can catch the game on Sunday at 2:45 P.M. ET on ESPN. We'll have more information on the schedule of events and where to watch as the game approaches.

Women's World Cup 2011 Final, USA Vs. Japan: USWNT Lineup

Some changes have been made to Pia Sundhage's USWNT lineup for the team's Women's World Cup final against Japan. The centre of defence sees Rachel Buehler returning following suspension for the red card she famously incurred against Brazil, while Megan Rapinoe comes in as the left midfielder in a 4-4-2. That doesn't leave Lauren Cheney on the bench, however - she'll go up top to partner Abby Wambach. Amy Rodriguez and Becky Sauerbrunn are the two to miss out for Buehler and Rapinoe.

Here's the full lineup:

United States (4-4-2): Hope Solo; Amy LePeilbet, Christie Rampone, Rachel Buehler, Ali Krieger; Megan Rapinoe, Shannon Boxx, Carli Lloyd, Heather O'Reilly; Lauren Cheney, Abby Wambach

For all of our coverage of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup semifinals and how the two teams got to the final, give our Sweden vs. Japan and USA vs. France StoryStreams a read. For all of our previous coverage of the tournament, check out our 2011 Women's World Cup section. For more on the final, bookmark this StoryStream. We'll have updates in the build-up to the game. You can catch the game on Sunday at 2:45 P.M. ET on ESPN. We'll have more information on the schedule of events and where to watch as the game approaches.

Women's World Cup Final 2011 Live: How To Watch USA Vs. Japan Online And On TV

In awesome countries that have cable and/or satellite television and/or the internet, you can watch the final of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, either on your television or live online. How lucky are you! If you live in the United States, you can catch USA vs. Japan on ESPN on TV or on ESPN3.com on the internet. This game is available all over the world, but we've included the information for our Canadian and British readers below.

Television: ESPN (United States), CBC (Canada), Eurosport (Most of Europe, including UK)

Streaming Online: ESPN3.com (United States), CBC Streaming (Canada), FIFA.com (International)

If you live in the states, you'll get Bob Ley hosting the studio show with Tony DiCicco and Brandi Chastain at his side. Ian Darke and Julie Foudy will be calling the action during the game. Tune in, it should be a great one! If you don't get the game on TV and you don't get ESPN3 but want to follow along, we'll have coverage in this StoryStream throughout the match. Also, we'll be live tweeting the game at @SBNationLIVE, so follow that account on twitter. Enjoy the match!

For all of our coverage of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup semifinals and how the two teams got to the final, give our Sweden vs. Japan and USA vs. France StoryStreams a read. For all of our previous coverage of the tournament, check out our 2011 Women's World Cup section. For more on the final, bookmark this StoryStream. We'll have updates in the build-up to the game. You can catch the game on Sunday at 2:45 P.M. ET on ESPN. We'll have more information on the schedule of events and where to watch as the game approaches.

USA Vs. Japan, Women's World Cup Final 2011: Schedule, Kickoff Time, And More

For the first time since 1999, all eyes in the soccer watching world are on the USA women's soccer team, as they have advanced to the final of the World Cup for the first time since they hosted the tournament 12 years ago. They finished in third place in both the 2003 and 2007 World Cups, but their gutty performances have guided them to the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup final against Japan. The pressure is on, as the United States have never finished a World Cup with a loss, finishing in first or third place in every Women's World Cup. Here's the schedule, time, and venue information for the game.

United States vs. Japan, 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final

Time: 2:45 P.M. ET, 8:45 P.M. local

Venue: Commerzbank-Arena, Frankfurt, Germany

We'll have information on where you can watch this game online and on television in a bit. During the game, we'll be updating this StoryStream frequently as well as tweeting @SBNationLIVE, so give that account a follow on twitter.

For all of our coverage of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup semifinals and how the two teams got to the final, give our Sweden vs. Japan and USA vs. France StoryStreams a read. For all of our previous coverage of the tournament, check out our 2011 Women's World Cup section. For more on the final, bookmark this StoryStream. We'll have updates in the build-up to the game. You can catch the game on Sunday at 2:45 P.M. ET on ESPN. We'll have more information on the schedule of events and where to watch as the game approaches.

Abby Wambach's Post-Women's World Cup Homecoming Close To Sellout

Rochester, New York native Abby Wambach is among the most popular players on the USA women's soccer team that made the final of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, and it's not surprising that she's the most popular player in her hometown. When her club team magicJack (South Florida) of Women's Professional Soccer made a trip up to Rochester to play the Western New York Flash, the club of Alex Morgan and Marta earlier in the WPS season, the Flash drew their biggest crowd of the season.

By pure chance (okay, probably not), magicJack plays the Flash in Rochester on Wednesday, just three days after the final of the Women's World Cup. Over 8,000 tickets have already been sold and there will likely be more tickets sold before the game, as well as some walk-up sales. The Flash will come close to selling out the 13,000-plus capacity Sahlen's Stadium, which they have not yet done in their short existence. 

In a sane world, Abby Wambach would be a stoppage time substitute to come on real quick, run around, and wave to the crowd. After all, she's playing a World Cup final in Germany three days earlier. Expecting her to do more than that would be crazy. However, not letting her go out at all in front of a large crowd that paid just to see her would be bad for business. The reasonable compromise is giving her a five minute run-out.

Unfortunately for WPS and their fans, Dan Borislow does not live in a sane world. Borislaw is the owner of Wambach's team and the founder and CEO of magicTalk, the company that makes those magicJack things that you see advertised on television all the time. He purchased the Washington Freedom, a well-supported club with a lot of history, and moved them to South Florida. They play in a stadium with a capacity of less than 2,000. There was no video of their first few games. Oh, and instead of naming the club magicJack FC or magicJack SC, he just named them magicJack. Seriously.

Borislaw also fired his team's head coach and made Christie Rampone player-coach. Rampone has been away at the Women's World Cup. She selected a team that had a back three against the Flash in their last game. The Flash play a front three of Alex Morgan, Marta, and Christine Sinclair. That game ended poorly for magicJack.

The insane wildcard that is Dan Borislaw could start Abby Wambach or refuse to let her play at all. We simply have no way of knowing. So, let's just hope that the outcome of Wednesday's game is something that keeps both the paying customers and Abby Wambach's health in mind.

For all of our coverage of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup semifinals and how the two teams got to the final, give our Sweden vs. Japan and USA vs. France StoryStreams a read. For all of our previous coverage of the tournament, check out our 2011 Women's World Cup section. For more on the final, bookmark this StoryStream. We'll have updates in the build-up to the game. You can catch the game on Sunday at 2:45 P.M. ET on ESPN. We'll have more information on the schedule of events and where to watch as the game approaches.

Women's World Cup 2011 Final, USA Vs. Japan: How Japan Got Here

Japan could not be counted among the favorites coming into the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, despite their depth and skill. They finished fourth in the 2008 Olympics and third in the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup. Oh, and that was before a massive tsunami and earthquake rocked the country, limiting the number of games the women's team could play in the build-up to the tournament. It even took the men's team out of the 2011 Copa America.

In the first game of the World Cup, Japan got off to a positive, if unconvincing start in their 2-1 win over New Zealand. They were expected to defeat New Zealand more easily than they did, but they all count for three points, as we all know. Turbine Potsdam star Yuki Nagasato and set piece specialist Aya Miyama scored the goals in a 2-1 win.

The second match of the group stages was a much bigger success for Japan, as they did a bit of foreshadowing with their massive 4-0 thrashing of Mexico. To that point, they were only the second team, after France, who looked like they had a fantastic whooping in them. Germany, Brazil and the United States had put in good performances, but at no point had any of them looked like a team who could drop a 4-0 win on any team good enough to qualify for the World Cup.

Japan had a hiccup in the last game of the group stages, as they were defeated by England 2-0. They were the inferior team for 90 minutes, a very surprising result after their thrashing of Mexico. England are a team with some fantastic talent who was thought to be very capable of defeating Japan, but it was surprising how poorly Japan played in the match compared to their previous performance. After getting outplayed by a team who was superior physically but inferior technically, very few gave the Japanese much of a chance going into their quarterfinal against Germany.

Instead, they pulled off the upset of the tournament, beating Germany 1-0 in extra time with a goal by Karina Maruyama in the 108th minute. Germany looked panicked and disorganized for much of the match, putting in an extremely uncharacteristic performance. Breaking down Japan is difficult for anyone, and it was obvious that the hosts got frustrated and let the pressure get to them when they didn't score a goal early on. Their shooting in the match was poor, and they paid dearly, disappointing an entire nation with their quarterfinal exist. Still, despite Germany's disappointing performance, Japan passed the ball and held their shape brilliantly and were very much deserved winners.

In the semifinals, they faced a similar team in Japan. Bigger, stronger, faster, and good enough technically that they were favorites, even against a team as technically sound as Japan. The Japanese prevailed again in a thriller, with the legendary Homare Sawa scoring the winner in a 3-1 win. The victory was capped off by an incredible 35 yard chip by Nahomi Kawasumi, a sure goal of the tournament candidate that completed her brace on the day.

The final against the United States is a task similar to what Japan has seen before. Once again, they are slight underdogs. Once again, they face a team that is much bigger, stronger, and faster than they are. In the previous two rounds, they prevailed. So, who's going to win the classic size versus skill match this time around?

Check out the corresponding post on the United States' road to the World Cup final.

For all of our coverage of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup semifinals and how the two teams got to the final, give our Sweden vs. Japan and USA vs. France StoryStreams a read. For all of our previous coverage of the tournament, check out our 2011 Women's World Cup section. For more on the final, bookmark this StoryStream. We'll have updates in the build-up to the game. You can catch the game on Sunday at 2:45 P.M. ET on ESPN. We'll have more information on the schedule of events and where to watch as the game approaches.

Women's World Cup 2011 Final, USA Vs. Japan: How The United States Got Here

Coming into the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, most expected the United States to get to a semifinal against Brazil, get their revenge from 2007, then play hosts Germany in the final. At that point, most experts expected the USA to lose to Germany in the final. Things have played out according to plan to some extent, as the USWNT are in the final, but the road to the final and the chaos around them has been anything but according to plan. On Sunday, they take on Japan, the team that defeated Germany, for the right to hoist the World Cup.

The first two matches of the tournament went exactly as expected, as the United States defeated North Korea 2-0 and Colombia 3-0 in their first two group stage matches. Coach Pia Sundhage made a bold move by announcing that Lauren Cheney would replace Megan Rapinoe as the starting left midfielder just a couple of days before the tournament, but that move has paid off. Cheney scored the first goal of the tournament for the U.S. women and has been brilliant throughout the World Cup, while Megan Rapinoe has turned into a super sub.

In the final group stage game, things got a bit rocky for the United States as they faced their first real bit of adversity in the tournament. Early in the match against Sweden, left back Amy LePeilbet hauled down Lotta Schelin in the penalty area, leading to a penalty kick for Sweden. LePeilbet was lucky not to see a straight red card, and the referee's mistake allowed the United States to stay in the game. Lisa Dahlqvist buried the penalty and Nilla Fischer doubled the lead before halftime on a free kick that took an unfortunate deflection off of LePeilbet. Abby Wambach pulled a goal back, but the USWNT would lose the game 2-1. That gave Sweden first place in the group and set up a quarterfinal match against Brazil.

That would become the match of the tournament, as the United States won a dramatic thriller on penalty kicks. The United States went up early in the match, but Brazil found their equalizer when Rachel Buehler's foul got her sent off and gave Brazil a penalty kick, which was converted by Marta. Controversially, Hope Solo saved the first attempt, but it was called back - either for encroachment or Solo coming off her line, which was not been clarified - and Marta got a second attempt, which she converted.

Marta scored what appeared was going to be a winner for Brazil in extra time, but some time wasting antics by Erika led to quite a bit of stoppage time, allowing Abby Wambach to score a dramatic 122nd minute winner, heading in a cross from Megan Rapinoe. That sent the game to penalty kicks where Solo made a massive save, allowing the United States to win 5-3 on penalties when Ali Krieger buried the final kick.

The match between the United States and France couldn't quite live up to the same levels of drama, but it certainly was a tense match. France held their shape and passed brilliantly for much of the match, but the athleticism of the United States won out in the end. Lauren Cheney scored on the counter-attack early to put the United States ahead, but Sonia Bompastor scored a deserved equalizer for Les Bleues in the 55th minute. It appeared that it was France's game to win at that point, but the energy that substitutes Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan provided proved to be the difference. Abby Wambach scored the winner in the 79th minute, heading in a Cheney corner kick, while Rapinoe and Morgan combined for the clinching goal three minutes later.

While the United States have not been the obviously superior team in any of their last three matches, they have found a way to get into the final. With Japan's tactical acumen and technical skill, something similar is likely to play out in the final. The question is whether or not Japan's apparent superiority in possession in shape will matter in the end. Even when they haven't looked their best, the United States have found ways to score goals over and over again.

Check out the corresponding post on Japan's road to the World Cup final.

For all of our coverage of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup semifinals and how the two teams got to the final, give our Sweden vs. Japan and USA vs. France StoryStreams a read. For all of our previous coverage of the tournament, check out our 2011 Women's World Cup section. For more on the final, bookmark this StoryStream. We'll have updates in the build-up to the game. You can catch the game on Sunday at 2:45 P.M. ET on ESPN. We'll have more information on the schedule of events and where to watch as the game approaches.

USA Women's Soccer Should Start Becky Sauerbrunn Over Rachel Buehler

In the quarterfinals of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, where the United States took on Brazil, USWNT central defender Rachel Buehler was sent off for denying Marta a clear goal scoring opportunity in the penalty area. The USA went on to win that game, but her sending off caused her to miss the semifinal against France through suspension.

Enter Becky Sauerbrunn. The star central defender for magicJack South Florida, formerly the Washington Freedom, started every single WPS game since the league's inception before being called up to the USWNT squad for the World Cup. In two warm-up games for the World Cup, Sauerbrunn was nearly perfect, proving that Pia Sundhage had a great option on her bench if any of her players went down through injury or suspension. When that happened to Buehler, Sauerbrunn made the most of her opportunity, putting in a fantastic performance against France.

Prior to the quarterfinal match against Brazil, Buehler put in a performance against Sweden that was below average by her standards. She looked a bit slow as she was out-played by Sweden forward Lotta Schelin in a loss for the United States. Buehler's mistakes against Brazil unfortunately marked what could be the start of a pattern. It was, at least, a small dip in form.

That small dip in form, combined with Sauerbrunn's WPS form and her last three performances in a USWNT shirt are why Sundhage should give her the nod in the final on Sunday. I mean no disrespect to Rachel Buehler, who is an excellent player. She should remain in subsequent USWNT squads and compete for a starting central defense spot in the upcoming London Olympics, without a doubt. But in this game, on Sunday, Sauerbrunn is the better option. She proved it when she shut down Marie-Laure Delie and didn't put a single foot wrong against France. 

This is more about rewarding Sauerbrunn than punishing Buehler. Going away from the hot hand - especially when the hot hand is as consistent as Sauerbrunn - would be unwise.

For all of our coverage of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup semifinals and how the two teams got to the final, give our Sweden vs. Japan and USA vs. France StoryStreams a read. For all of our previous coverage of the tournament, check out our 2011 Women's World Cup section. For more on the final, bookmark this StoryStream. We'll have updates in the build-up to the game. You can catch the game on Sunday at 2:45 P.M. ET on ESPN. We'll have more information on the schedule of events and where to watch as the game approaches.

USA Vs. Japan: Bibiana Stenhaus Named As Referee For 2011 Women's World Cup Final

For what was certainly not the first time in her life, German referee Bibiana Stenhaus didn't want to be selected to officiate the final of a major tournament in which she was picked as one of the referees. However, when her home country of Germany went down in the quarterfinals, she became the top candidate to preside over the final of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup final between the United States and Japan, which she will do today. 

Stenhaus is widely recognized as one of the absolute best female referees in the world. She started her career as an official in the Frauen-Bundesliga, one of the top women's professional leagues in the world, but she eventually moved on to men's professional football. She has presided over 31 games in the men's 2.Bundesliga, the second division of men's soccer in Germany, and she was named a full-time official for that league starting with the 2011-12 season.

Both the USA's 2-0 win over North Korea and Brazil's 3-0 win over Equatorial Guinea were refereed by Stenhaus earlier in the tournament. Unsurprisingly, both games were called very well and it would be surprising if any incident regarding officiating put a damper on what should be a great final.

For all of our coverage of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup semifinals and how the two teams got to the final, give our Sweden vs. Japan and USA vs. France StoryStreams a read. For all of our previous coverage of the tournament, check out our 2011 Women's World Cup section. For more on the final, bookmark this StoryStream. We'll have updates in the build-up to the game. You can catch the game on Sunday at 2:45 P.M. ET on ESPN. We'll have more information on the schedule of events and where to watch as the game approaches.

Here Is A Video Of Pia Sundhage Singing Simon And Garfunkel

Women's World Cup 2011 Final, USA Vs. Japan: Preview, USWNT Fights For Unprecedented Third World Cup

The United States women's national team barely got into the 2011 Women's World Cup. They lost in the semifinal of the CONCACAF qualifying tournament to Mexico and looked unconvincing in their qualifying playoff win over Italy. They lost two friendly matches in the build-up to the tournament. In the World Cup, they lost to Sweden, needed a 122nd minute equalizer to force penalties against Brazil, and were outplayed for most of their game against France. And yet, here they are. The USA women's soccer team, in the World Cup final yet again, this time against Japan.

Of course, as improbable as their journey has been, it completely pales in comparison to that of their opponents. Japan was devastated by an earthquake and resulting tsunami in March, and the disaster put the team's presence at the World Cup in doubt. As a result of the disaster, the Japanese men's national football team had to withdraw from the 2011 Copa America, at which they were an invited guest. The team was able to organize themselves and even play a few friendlies before the tournament, something that has probably aided them in their journey to the final. The USWNT will have great support from their country behind them, but it will likely be dwarfed by the support Japan gets from their fans at home.

If you ask a fan who has followed the United States women for the last couple of years, they will tell you that Pia Sundhage should have a number of selection dilemmas. Amy Rodriguez and Carli Lloyd struggled in the match against France and this is hardly a one-time occurrence. Both are very athletic, very hard-working, and all-around useful footballers, but the form of both leaves something to be desired compared to, say, Alex Morgan and Lori Lindsey. However, Sundhage has been more loyal to these two players than any others, and if they are healthy - which they are - they will be in the starting lineup.

There is one real dilemma that Sundhage has, though, and that is in the center of defense. With Rachel Buehler suspended for the semifinal, Becky Sauerbrunn - the record-holder for consecutive games played in WPS - stepped in and filled her shoes brilliantly. Though Lauren Cheney, Abby Wambach, and substitutes Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe got most of the post-match attention, Sauerbrunn was arguably the woman of the match for the United States.

In the first half, she did such a thorough job of erasing Marie-Laure Delie, France's leading goal-scorer, that a completely healthy Delie was substituted out of the game. Before the World Cup, Sauerbrunn played two fantastic matches in friendlies, and her form in WPS has been superb as well. Sundhage's selection at central defense will likely be the hardest personnel choice she has made in this tournament.

That selection will be a very critical one, as Japan's strikers are among the best players on their team. The 24-year-old Turbine Potsdam star Yuki Nagasato will be the leader of the forward group for years to come in Japan, but the second striker/attacking midfielder that plays behind her, veteran Homare Sawa, is the star of the show for now. The 32-year-old is Japan's all-time leading scorer and is currently tied with Marta in the race for the Golden Boot, with four goals.

Other players to watch for Japan include Mana Iwabuchi, the budding 18-year-old star who provides a spark off the bench and who is often compared to FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi, Aya Miyama, who is arguably the greatest set piece taker in the world, and Aya Sameshima, Japan's talented defender who plays her club football in the United States for Boston Breakers. 

In their previous two games, Japan have come up against two teams who most experts agreed would have too much of a physical advantage for Japan to deal with. They don't have a single outfield player taller than 5'7", and almost all of their players are 5'4" or smaller. Germany and Sweden, the two teams they defeated en route to the final, are loaded with great athletes who have major size and strength advantages over Japan. It didn't matter.

While the United States might have athletes that are even better than the players on Germany or Sweden, they do not have the technical skill of those teams as a group. The logic in predicting Germany and Sweden victories over Japan is that those teams had 90 percent of the technical skill of Japan with much more athleticism, making them the favorites. Saying that the United States has 90 percent of the technical skill of Japan would be a serious stretch.

Yes, the United States defeated Japan in two warm-up friendlies before the World Cup, but both of those games took place in the United States, and both were very shortly after the earthquake and tsunami. The games were played to raise money for charities benefiting disaster relief in Japan, and it was obvious that Japan was not at their best in those games. The United States won both friendlies by one goal, and the message from Japan was that they were just happy to be there. They were happy that they were able to get a team organized to travel to the United States and play a semi-competitive game, and they were happy that they played at a level that somewhat resembled what they were capable of. They did not put their best foot forward, and they did not expect to win those games. Still, they challenged the United States in both matches and managed to lose both by only one goal.

The USWNT are the favorites on Sunday, but then again, so were Germany and Sweden in their matches against Japan. Those teams were the favorites for the same reason that the United States is the favorite, so it would be ridiculous to say that the U.S. women are anything but very marginal favorites. They don't have the technical skill of Japan, France, Brazil or Sweden, but they've been able to make the final despite that deficiency. Most of that has to do with athleticism. A lot of people will tell you that it mostly has to do with heart and determination.

Those two characteristics are a bit overrated in soccer as compared to, say, American football or ice hockey, but they certainly don't hurt. A team who is inferior to their opponents in skill and/or is the victim of bad refereeing, as the United States was in the match against Brazil does not win games without some fantastic mental toughness. The bad news for them is that they will be facing a team that simultaneously has the backing of an entire country, but at the same time has absolutely nothing to lose. Though all judgments of mental toughness are subjective in the first place, it seems as though, for the first time in this tournament, the United States will not have a significant edge over their opponents in that department.

In intangible qualities, the United States and Japan appear to be dead even. When it comes to tangible footballing traits, the United States has the athleticism while Japan has the skill. It should be an absolutely fantastic final, one in which neither team pulls away and neither team gives up at any point, even if it does turn into a blowout. 

For all of our coverage of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup semifinals and how the two teams got to the final, give our Sweden vs. Japan and USA vs. France StoryStreams a read. For all of our previous coverage of the tournament, check out our 2011 Women's World Cup section. For more on the final, bookmark this StoryStream. We'll have updates in the build-up to the game. You can catch the game on Sunday at 2:45 P.M. ET on ESPN. We'll have more information on the schedule of events and where to watch as the game approaches.

Abby Wambach Is Destined For Greatness

Abby Wambach leads the USA attack into the World Cup Final. Wambach and the Americans were eliminated in the last two World Cups at the semifinal stage. Now, she seems destined to lead the USA to victory.