US Women’s National Team prepares for World Cup Final rematch with

That is especially true for veteran striker Abby Wambach.

Last time, they lost in penalty kicks, not converting on any of their first three attempts in the shootout. The Americans missed their first three attempts.

Wambach is soccer’s all-time leading global goal scorer – men’s or women’s – with 183 goals in 248 appearances (so far).

Japan came into the World Cup ranked No. 4 in the world and has been riding a hot streak with nine straight victories even before the tournament. The most famous (and infamous) cog in the US defensive effort is goalkeeper Hope Solo, whose legal troubles dominated the pre-World Cup headlines and whose mere presence on the team sparked fierce debate.

But at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, United States of America won gold when they defeated Japan 2-1 in the final.

American players say this isn’t a revenge game, but there’s nothing they think about more than losing to Japan.

The group ultimately dropped the complaint, but the popularity of the tournament proved that these players deserve better conditions. “The key will be which team shows the qualities they have while being patient when the going gets tough”.

“Each time her prediction became true, she looked more happy when choosing the winner of the next game”.

Japan and America have quite a history when it comes to women’s soccer. They trash-talked. They kicked each other in the unmentionables.

“I really am grateful for this opportunity”, Sasaki said through a translator on Saturday. Quick switching, quick counters.

“I just have the image of winning in my mind”, she said. If Rapinoe can connect with Morgan, and Morgan is back on her game, the addition of the recently very impressive O’Hara to the top will present a very threatening front to the Japanese defense. Japan must emerge sprinting from the gates, as it will be tremendously to their advantage to spook the United States’ defense.

But team U.S. has a great plan to frustrate Japanese designs. The structure and the strong desire to win.

“I think it’s fantastic”, USA coach Jill Ellis said. Japan is more patient than Germany, but this tactic would still work in the final.

“You can’t press and chase and make it a physical game for 90 minutes”, she said. Rumors around the team suggest she was part of a group of players that forced out ex- coach Tom Sermanni previous year.

But the Americans, will also try to find midfielder Carli Lloyd, who has been given more freedom to roam the field. Sasaki has used Iwabuchi as a second-half impact substitute and she has excelled in the role.

Seventeen Japan players from the 2011 WWC team are on the 2015 roster.

The last mainstream United States of America vs. Japan live stream for the Women’s World Cup final is through NBC Deportes, which like FOX requires cable subscription information, but is broadcasted in Spanish. She remembers the USA women’s 1999 win and the impact it had on her, “especially the moment where Brandi Chastain ripped off her shirt in triumph”, she said.

Australia was effective, but eventually wore down before giving up a goal in the 87th minute in a 1-0 loss last weekend.

“I want to bring everything I have to this game”, warned Lloyd, who has been in stunning form in Canada, scoring and setting up another goal in a 2-0 semifinal win over top-ranked Germany.

Julie Johnston has been the defender getting the most attention, but other members of the back four – Becky Sauerbrunn, Meghan Klingenberg and Ali Krieger – have played extremely well, too.