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How the U.S. women could beat Japan in World Cup final

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Japan's dramatic 2-1 semifinal victory over England on Wednesday in Edmonton gives the United States and its many fans a chance at something they've long dreamed of: revenge for the 2011 Women's World Cup title game, in which Japan got a last-minute equalizer and then won on penalty kicks.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Japan's dramatic 2-1 semifinal victory over England on Wednesday in Edmonton gives the United States and its many fans a chance at something they've long dreamed of: revenge for the 2011 Women's World Cup title game, in which Japan got a last-minute equalizer and then won on penalty kicks.

Yes, there was a rematch in the 2012 Olympic gold medal game, but the World Cup is the real prize. So expect the drumbeat of hype to be loud and long heading into the final Sunday at Vancouver's BC Place.

But desire alone won't be enough for the Americans to prevail. As was the case in Tuesday's 2-0 semifinal win over Germany, they'll need a lot of skill, too. From its first kickoff in the group stage, Japan has played a higher caliber of soccer than any other team in the tournament.

Keep a particular eye on midfielder Aya Miyama, the chief playmaker, and forward Yuki Ogimi, who has underperformed so far but is still a big scoring threat.

Japan's emphasis on possession and fluid passing will likely require U.S. coach Jill Ellis to maintain the 4-3-3 formation that she deployed against Germany. That move was long-awaited by many observers, and they were proven right. It was a tremendous success, especially the midfield triangle of Morgan Brian, Lauren Holiday and Carli Lloyd.

Against Japan, it will likely be necessary again - in part to pressure the opposing midfield and in part to help the United States keep the ball.

As was the case against Germany and China, it makes sense for Abby Wambach not to start again. It would be better to use her as a super-sub when Japan starts to tire. And if how the reigning champion played against England is any indication, that's likely to happen.

Perhaps that's why Japan coach Norio Sasaki said twice after the game Wednesday night that his team struggled with England's power and that he wants to see more from his squad.

"A team which is very powerful and which has simple tactics, we may not be good at playing against that," Sasaki said through an interpreter. "Japan needs to build up our power, and that's what I take away from this game."

Sasaki also praised England for "moving more than we expected," adding that "we couldn't really disrupt their rhythm."

"In order to be the best team in the world at the World Cup, you have to beat the best teams," Wambach said. "We just beat the number one team in the world in Germany, and now we face Japan, another team that we have so much respect for. They have an amazing team and they're the reigning World Cup champions, so I think it's going to be a fantastic final."

England brought an intensity that Japan had not seen in this tournament, and it almost took Japan out. The United States has even more, and it need not be mutually exclusive from the team's skill.

We've seen in the last two games that Ellis is finally putting all the pieces together. Now it's time for her to solve the puzzle. If she returns the starting lineup that beat Germany and uses Wambach to close the deal, the Americans will be in prime position to end their 16-year World Cup title drought.

The entire women's soccer world has been waiting for this matchup ever since the draw was held in December. BC Place will be packed, not just with Americans but with a sizable contingent of Vancouver's huge Japanese community. It will make for an electric atmosphere, and perhaps it will help the game live up to the hype.