1:45 P.M. • FRANKFURT, GERMANY • ESPN

United States (No. 1 world rank, 4-1-0 in World Cup, 11 GF, 5 GA)

Japan (No. 4 world rank, 4-1-0 in World Cup, 10 GF, 4 GA)

The skinny: The U.S. is a two-time World Cup champion and the defending Olympic gold medalist. Japan never has made the final in any major tournament and has yet to beat the Americans in 25 tries (0-22-3). ... The U.S. twice beat Japan 2-0 in warmup matches a few weeks before the World Cup. ... Japan has sought to develop a Brazil-like flair for years, but only now does it have the confidence to execute it at the highest level. ... Japanese midfielder Homare Sawa, right, is her country's Mia Hamm. In this World Cup, she scored a hat trick against Mexico and delivered the go-ahead goal in Wednesday's victory over Sweden. ... Abby Wambach, left, has 12 goals in World Cup play, which ties her with another American, Michelle Akers, for third place all-time. The record is 14, held by Birgit Prinz and Marta. ... In Saturday's third-place game, Sweden defeated France 2-1. Both teams qualified for next summer's London Olympics.

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