The USA are bidding to win a third World Cup on Sunday when they take on Japan in the Women’s World Cup final in Frankfurt (Japan 12/5 draw 11/5 USA 20/21 after 90 minutes).
The US Women’s football team is historically strong and first won the competition in 1991 when they beat Norway 2-1 in the final in China before lifting the trophy as hosts with a win on penalties, this time against China in 1999.
They had to be content with third place finishes in 2003 and 2007 though before this year’s tournament in Germany.
The current side, coached by former Sweden international Pia Sundhage, qualified second in Group C behind Sweden before knocking out Brazil and England’s conquerors France to reach the showpiece event, safe in the knowledge they have never lost a World Cup final (5/1 to win 1-0).
USA forward Abby Wambach believes the entire squad deserves credit for reaching the final, saying “there are no substitutes” in this team.
Wambach scored the second goal in her sides’ 3-1 over France in the semi-final on Wednesday but the game was hugely influenced by the impact of two substitutes, Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan, the latter of whom scored the decisive third goal in Monchengladbach.
“There are no first-teamers and substitutes in this team,” said 31-year-old Wambach.
“There are no differences. Look at Alex Morgan, who came off the bench and scored her first World Cup goal. Mark my words. That’s the first of many Alex is going to score in the World Cup.
“Megan has a lot of quality and technique and a tremendous amount of confidence in herself. That’s her big asset. She didn’t get down about being made a substitute because she knew she had a lot to contribute in that role.”
Japan are seen very much as an up-and-coming-team in the Women’s game. They finished fourth in the 2008 Olympics, rose into the top five earlier this year and now look to go higher after a fairy tale run to their first World Cup final (Japan 10/1 to win 2-1).
They also qualified for the knock-out stages in second, this time behind England in Group B. But then dramatically beat Sweden, before most notably overcame footballing powerhouse Germany, who were not only hosts and holders but unbeaten in 16 World Cup matches stretching back to 1999.
Japan midfielder Nahomi Kawasumi hopes their appearance in Sunday’s final can bring some much needed publicity to the women’s game back home, where it struggles to compete with men’s football and baseball for media attention.
“Normally we don’t have a lot of media coverage for women’s football in Japan, but when we have good results such as here in Germany or at the Olympics; people get to know about women’s football. It is an important opportunity to promote the team and the game.
“The results at this tournament have given us a lot of confidence. We have momentum and always try to challenge teams, and now we want to try and beat the US.”
Verdict: USA win
Value bet : Draw/USA women HT/FT 18/5
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