U.S. vs. Japan: A guide to today's World Cup title match

A viewer's guide to today's Women's World Cup title match. Team USA will vie for a record third crown (1991, 1999), while Japan will go for its first. (TV: 2 p.m., ESPN)

UNITED STATES

Height advantage

Abby Wambach is one of the best players in the world in the air, and she has two goals on headers in the last two games. With Japan's tallest player just 5-foot-7 - 4 inches shorter than Wambach - the American could wreak some serious havoc if she gets the ball in the box. "(Wambach) is very big and very strong," Japan's Homare Sawa said. "We have to avoid her getting fed with balls."

Composure in the midfield

The U.S. was getting bogged down in the midfield against France until coach Pia Sundhage brought Megan Rapinoe in, put her on the left flank and moved Lauren Cheney inside. The move gave the Americans more creativity, and they'll need more of that against Japan, which might be more technically proficient than the French.

Ultimate goalie

Hope Solo is, arguably, the best goalkeeper in the world, and she essentially gives the Americans an extra defender. Since she took over as the primary U.S. keeper in 2005, the Americans have lost just two games she's started: the opener at the Beijing Olympics and the final group game here against Sweden. "If something breaks down, we know (opponents) still have Hope to contend with," midfielder Shannon Boxx said.

JAPAN

Possession-oriented system

Japan has drawn comparisons to men's club Barcelona for its lightning quick passes and slick combination play, and it often looks as if it's playing a game of keepaway, holding onto the ball for long stretches of time. It's smart defense, too. If the Americans can't get the ball, they can't score.

Ageless wonder

Playing in her fifth World Cup, the 32-year-old Sawa has looked ageless, scoring four goals to share the tournament lead with Brazil's Marta. "She's good on both sides of the ball," Sundhage said. "If you look at the work rate, 90 minutes - and not only one game, all games she's been playing. She finds a way to complete passes. What I'm impressed of is she's scored goals. She's shorter than I am and she's scored some headers. That tells you how she reads a game."

Surprise starter

Can Nahomi Kawasumi duplicate her super start against Sweden? A surprise starter in the semifinal after playing a total of just 29 minutes in the first four games, she scored twice, including a gorgeous lob over Hedvig Lindahl from some 35 yards out.