Bring it on.
That's how the U.S. women's soccer team reacted Wednesday night to learning that Japan would be the opponent in the World Cup final.
The Americans beat Germany 2-0 on Tuesday to reach the championship game. Japan defeated England 2-1 on a late own goal. The rematch of the 2011 final won by Japan on penalty kicks is Sunday in Vancouver.
"In order to be the best team in the world at the World Cup, you have to beat the best teams," star forward Abby Wambach said. "We just beat the No. 1 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.
"Everyone will have to bring their 'A' game, and whoever finishes their chances the most will come out on top. Hopefully it will be us."
The United States is 24-1-6 against Japan. The 2011 title game ended 2-2 and the Japanese won their first world title on penalty kicks.
"These are two talented teams with a lot of history and rivalry, and I think it will be a classic matchup," U.S. coach Jill Ellis said. "Both teams have a lot of the same players from 2011, but that said, this is a different team on a different journey, and I know all 23 players and our staff are tremendously excited for this next challenge."
Associated Press
