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Women's World Cup: U.S. inspired for rematch vs. Japan

By The Sports Xchange

The U.S. soccer team goes for redemption against Japan in the Women's World Cup final on Sunday in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Japan will aim for back-to-back titles when it faces USA in a rematch of the 2011 final won by Japan 3-1 on penalty kicks after a 2-2 tie.

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The Americans are ready for the glory this time after their heartbreaking loss four years ago.

"I think it's fantastic," U.S. coach Jill Ellis said. "These are two talented teams with a lot of history and rivalry, and I think it will be a classic matchup."

USA is coming off back-to-back commanding performances, including a 2-0 win against top-ranked Germany in the semifinals. Carli Lloyd scored on a penalty kick minutes after Germany misfired on its own penalty kick and the veteran midfielder also set up Kelley O'Hara's insurance goal.

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Japan needed a miracle in the semifinals to get past England. An own goal by England in second-half stoppage time gave Japan a 2-1 win. Facing her goal as she attempted a clearance, England defender Laura Bassett miskicked the ball and saw it bounce off the underside of the crossbar and over the goal line.

The teams in the final will face off in Vancouver's BC Place Stadium, where the Americans are hoping to win a third World Cup title. The U.S. previously won the World Cup in 1991 in China and in 1999 at home.

U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo, 33, who received the Adidas Golden Glove award when Japan defeated the U.S. in the 2011 final, will be net again on Sunday.

The 32-year-old Llloyd, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, is the team's captain and USA's top scorer with three goals.

Following her well-executed penalty-kick goal against Germany, Lloyd took to Twitter after sending USA to the championship game:

"Team #USA! @TeamUSANA here we go! Staying strong and healthy as we head to the finals. #SheBelieves #WorldCup2015"

Lloyd has just one target left -- lifting the trophy Sunday night.

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"I've just been training my butt off the last 12 years. These are the moments I live for," Lloyd told ESPN. "This is kind of when I roll up my sleeves up and say to myself, 'I need to step up.'"

The Japanese will attempt to join Germany, champions in 2003 and 2007, in winning consecutive Women's World Cup championships after advancing on the latest goal ever to decide a semifinal in the event's history.

"The two teams played out a wonderful match in 2011 and for the sake of women's football, I hope it's a similar affair in 2015 -- that in itself would make me very happy," Japan coach Norio Sasaki. "We faced them in a friendly last year, in which we felt the force of their power. We will apply the lessons we learned from that in the final."

USA's best chance may come down to Lloyd's play. She is the only American player other than Solo and defenders Johnston, Meghan Klingenberg and Becky Sauerbrunn to play every minute of the tournament.

"She's one of the best players in the world and has been wanting to be in this position her whole life," star forward Abby Wambach said of Lloyd after the U.S. advanced to the final. "And now she's here and taking advantage of it and actually doing well. So, for me, I couldn't have more respect and couldn't be more proud of Carli because she does all the things that she needs to do off the pitch to make herself the best on (the pitch)."

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Wambach's pursuit of her first title in her final World Cup gives the team a source of motivation.

"All I care about is winning this World Cup," said Wambach, who is playing in her fourth Women's World Cup.

The 35-year-old Wambach, who has been on the national team for 15 years, has scored 183 goals, more than any other player, male or female, in the world. Of those, 77 have come on headers.

"For this being her last one, I will do whatever it takes to get the job done," Lloyd said of Wambach.

Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, will cheer on the United States and lead a delegation that includes U.S. Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Evan Ryan, and former U.S. players Cobi Jones and Mia Hamm.

''We're honored to be part of the Women's World Cup Final,'' the Bidens said in a statement. "Team USA has inspired millions around the globe -- especially girls and other young athletes who know that the power of sports can change lives. The team is a source of pride and unity, and we can't wait to see them represent the United States on the world stage. Let's cheer the team on and bring the World Cup trophy home.''

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