The time is now for the USA women's soccer team to revenge their heartbreaking loss to Japan in PK's in the 2011 finals after Japan tied the score from a corner kick with a few minutes remaining in the game. I was equally heartbroken because I love the USWMT.
I know Japan has a very technical team and all, but they plod away and don't have a great offensive attack and the way the USA has been playing during the knockout rounds this game and title should be ours.
Our defensive back line has been impeccable except for one blunder against a powerful German attack and I don't see Japan being able to exploit our defense. Obviously anything can happen and Japan is a very patient team which benefited from a bad call against Australia and an own goal by England to advance. Unless some weird bounces or horrible penalty calls occur, I don't see Japan coming out on top. I do hope Coach Ellis keeps the same 4-3-3 formation they used against Germany.
My prediction: USA 3-0
UPDATE: Ellis didn't change a thing.
United States lineup (4-2-3-1): Hope Solo; Meghan Klingenberg, Julie Johnston, Becky Sauerbrunn, Ali Krieger; Morgan Brian, Lauren Holiday; Megan Rapinoe, Carli Lloyd, Tobin Heath; Alex Morgan
UPDATE 2: Carli Lloyd scores!!! 3' USA 1-0
UPDATE 3: Carli Lloyd scores again!!! 5' USA 2-0
UPDATE 4: Lauren Holiday scores!!!!!! 14' USA 3-0
UPDATE 5: Carli Lloyd scores again!!! Hat trick USA 4-0 What a shot and an incredible play.
UPDATE 6: Japan's Yuki Ogimi scores 4-1.
UPDATE 7: United States Julie Johnston scores own goal 4-2.
UPDATE 8: United States Tobin Heath scores 5-2.
UPDATE 9: USA wins 2015 World Cup 5-2
What a game and what a team.
