Stunning goals, unashamed passion, tasty challenges, raw heartache—the knockout stage of this FIFA Women’s World Cup has had it all.
And yet, with Japan and the United States set to renew their burgeoning rivalry in Vancouver on Sunday evening for the final, things could get even better.
These two proud proponents of the women’s game have clashed in the last two major tournament finals—the World Cup in 2011 and the Olympics the year after—notching one win apiece. Naturally, both sets of players will be desperate to add the most illustrious prize in the game to their respective repertoires.