In 2011 a dramatic run to the FIFA World Cup final ended in disappointment for the United States women's soccer team as they lost to Japan in penalty kicks. Just over one year later, though, USA has a shot at redemption against the Japanese in a gold medal match against the team that ended their World Cup hopes.
Goals could be at a premium for the United States, as Japan has allowed just two goals in their five games at the 2012 London Olympics, while posting only six combined goals en route to the gold medal final. By comparison, the American team has scored 14 goals to combat five allowed goals on defense. The only goals allowed by either team came from France and Canada.
With three of the Olympic tournament's top scorers, USA will likely lean most on Abby Wambach for goals against Japan. Defensively, Christie Rampone of Fort Lauderdale, FL, will have the task of stopping a Japan offense that features the 2011 FIFA Best Player of the Year, Homare Sawa. However, after leading the 2011 World Cup in goals, Sawa has yet to record one in the Olympics.
The gold medal match between the two powers is expected to shatter Olympics attendance records. The game will be shown live on NBC Sports Network at 2:30 p.m. ET.
For a complete schedule of events and dates medals will be awarded, visit NBC Sports' official Olympic website. For complete coverage from the 2012 London Olympics, keep checking this StoryStream and visit SB Nation's Olympics hub.