Japan continued to press and the USA continued to reward that tenacity by committing unnecessary fouls in dangerous spots. Despite dangerous free kick after free kick from Miyami being sent in to the box, the USA is holding on with ten minutes left to play.
Rachel Buehler left the match in the 80th minute, replaced by Becky Sauerbrunn. Sauerbrunn brings a solid defensive presence and a pair of fresh legs as the USA looks to close out this game. Carli Lloyd nearly completed her hat trick after Abby Wambach earned a free kick and the USA was able to keep some possession. Lloyd's shot went just over the crossbar.
With seven minutes left, Japan appeared to have their equalizer after a terrible giveway by Rampone allowed Tanaka to break in on Hope Solo. Instead of playing the ball across to her teammate, Tanaka took the shot at the far post and Solo made a tremendous diving save to push the ball just wide. WHAT. A. SAVE.
Follow along with our live coverage of the final in our USA Vs. Japan, London 2012 Olympics StoryStream.