VANCOUVER -- The U.S. women have the game to beat Japan.
Sure, they lost four years ago, gagging up not one, but two leads in the World Cup final. And only four weeks ago, the Americans looked like roadkill in the making, playing a stodgy, defensive-minded style that didn't excite – or intimidate – anyone.
But by unleashing Carli Lloyd against China and juicing up the midfield against Germany, the Americans became a force to be reckoned with. They go into Sunday's final with the personnel, playing style and swagger to beat anyone.
Japan included.
Nothing Japan does will come as a surprise to the United States.