United States Faces Japan In Women’s World Cup Final Tonight

The United State women's national soccer team has made it to their second consecutive World Cup final. This year, they find themselves facing Japan in a rematch of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final. Japan defeated the United States in that game 3-1 on penalty kicks.

The United States began their World Cup run back on June 8th when they defeated Australia 3-1. Just four days later, they had a scoreless tie with Sweden. They finished off group play with a 1-0 victory over Nigeria. In the round of 16, they defeated Colombia 2-0. In the quarterfinals, they defeated China 1-0. They then went on to defeat the number one ranked team in the world, Germany, 2-0 in the semi-finals.

Japan began their World Cup run on June 8th with a 1-0 victory over Sweden. They then defeated Cameroon 2-1 and finished group play with a 1-0 victory over Ecuador. In the round of 16, they defeated the Netherlands 2-1. In the quarterfinals, they got by Australia 1-0. In the semi-finals, they then defeated England 2-1.

This now sets up the long anticipated rematch between the United States and Japan that will be four years in the making. In 2011, the United States blew a one goal lead in both regulation and in the extra time period before being shut down in penalty kicks. It has left a sour taste in mouths of American fans, but the shot for redemption has now arrived.

While the goal scoring for the United States has been in question at times, the defense has been nothing short of phenomenal. They have given up just one goal in their entire 2015 World Cup campaign and that was back on June 8th in their opening game. Japan has managed to get away with one goal victories in every game of their World Cup campaign. They have just given up three goals in their six matches of the World Cup.

Kick off for the World Cup final will be tonight at 6:00 on FOX.