Women's World Cup Final Preview - USA v Japan
So who will you be supporting when the Women's World Cup Final kicks-off? USA are undoubtedly the favourites, although they haven't won the tournament since 1999, whilst Japan have certainly made a few headlines en route to the final.
As the Women's tournament has progressed it's picked up a growing army of fans, and as we head into the ultimate stage for the women's game, who do you think will emerge as World Cup winners?
A nation has been gripped by the antics of the USWNT, whose route to the final has been fairly dramatic. The US emerged from Group C despite losing to Sweden after wins over North Korea and Colombia. In the last eight, Pia Sundhage's team overcame Brazil in a penalty shoot-out after Abby Wambach headed an equaliser in the dying seconds of extra time, before two late goals gave them a 3-1 win over France in the semi-finals. With a relentless rate of shots on target and Hope Solo in goal, Japan may find it difficult to cope.
The Japanese, who will be playing in their first World Cup final, have captured the heart of football fans around the globe with their fearless approach and technical ability. Their own World Cup began with convincing wins against New Zealand and Mexico before losing to England in Group B. In the quarter-finals, they recorded a 1-0 extra-time win over hosts and World Cup holders Germany before coming from a goal down to beat Sweden 3-1 in the last four. So carrying form into the final, will they continue their momentum to victory?
As a sub-plot to the final, the tournament's Golden Boot will also be decided as both Abby Wambach and Homare Sawa will be playing. Japan's Sawa is joint tournament top goalscorer along with Brazilian Marta on four goals, however US star Wambach is just behind on three!
It's been a roller-coaster of a tournament, but then as fans of the game know - that's football! Let us know who you think, and who you hope will lift the Women's World Cup. Have your say and join the conversations with the SoccerBible community online, on Twitter and on Facebook.
