Four years ago, the United States women fell in their quest for the World Cup when they were beaten in penalties by Japan. Now, they have a chance for some vengeance, as these two teams meet once again on the grandest stage in women's soccer on Sunday in Vancouver.
ODDS ANALYSIS
Just as was the case four years ago, the US is heavily favored against Japan in this match. The Americans are the -120 favorites to win the World Cup in 90 minutes, and they are -280 favorites to win it either in normal time, extra time or penalties.
The Japanese can be had at +0.5 ( +100 ) to either win it in regulation or force extra time.
The total is understandably low at 2 ( over -130 ).
QUOTE TO NOTE
"We will enjoy this tonight, and then our focus will turn to our next opponent. I'm very proud of the players, and they stepped up tonight. This team has embraced the accountability of defending in every line. We have gritty players at the back, and sophisticated players at the back, and our defensive record is a credit to the team." – USA manager Jill Ellis following a 2-0 win over Germany in the semifinals
RECENT FORM
The Americans haven't allowed a goal in nearly 500 minutes of play here in the World Cup, and they are approaching the all-time record for consecutive minutes without conceding a goal in Women's World Cup history.
The US hasn't been at its best offensively, but the 2-0 score line against the Germans in the semifinal was much deserved.
Japan took a far less conventional route to get here into the final. The team has won three one-goal games in the knockout rounds, the last of which was a 2-1 victory over England.
The Samurai Blue had some help, though. A 92nd minute own goal by Laura Bassett, one which was largely without any challenges by Japanese attackers, was what knocked the Brits out of the tournament and sent Japan on to the finale.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The United States looked significantly better in a 4-2-3-1 formation than it was in a more traditional 4-4-2 look, and after matters went so well against Germany, we can't picture Ellis making any changes to this lineup.
Sidney LeRoux could come off of the bench a little earlier if there is some help needed in attack, but Alex Morgan finally seems to have gotten it all together after some rough patches in this tournament. She and Carli Lloyd were fantastic in that second half against the Germans, and the score could have just as easily been 4-0.
Japan has this grit about it though, that will not quit, and it has the tactics to be able to make this work against the United States.
The Japanese are going to pack the middle of the pitch and try to keep the Americans from going out wide, which will suit both sides just fine. Morgan and Lloyd are at their best when they are running into spots right at the heart of the defense.
If the Americans play as well as they did against Germany, they'll win this match in regular time. The problem that we see though, is that a repeat performance would be really hard to come by. The odds of everything working that well for 90 minutes again versus a Japanese side which has been here and done this is unlikely; the Germans, remember, basically gave up after missing a penalty midway through the second half which allowed the floodgates to open.
We do think that the US will reach its glory and take the World Cup back from Japan, but it isn't going to be easy. Seeing this match go into extra time wouldn't be a shocker, and we would much rather have that half ball on our side on the Asian Handicap. Contrary to popular belief, the United States is a beatable crew, and Japan has the organization to be the one that does it.
United States 1, Japan 0 ( after extra time )
BookMaker has live Women's World Cup odds for every clash of the season. BookMaker is also going to have multiple betting options available for this nationally-televised match. The United States opened as a -120 favorite. The first offering of the total came in at 2 (over -130). Live wagering during the match offers an adjusted moneyline, total and spread. Log in and start gambling during the soccer match now!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The fixture between the United States and Japan will take place on Sunday, July 5, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The game will be broadcast live on FOX.
