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Women's World Cup Finals 2015: Early Preview for Japan vs. USA Championship

Much like four years ago, when Japan won the Women's World Cup in a penalty shootout, this year's edition will be a matchup between the United States and the Japanese. And these teams met again in the 2012 Olympics, too, with the Americans taking home the gold medal in that contest.

So yes, these squads are plenty familiar with one another.

The two teams reached the final in somewhat divergent fashions. Despite a few questionable calls that went their way, the United States dominated Germany—the No. 1 seed in the tournament—and won, 2-0. Japan, on the other hand, was largely outplayed by England but managed to advance to the final after a 92nd-minute own goal by Laura Bassett.