London 2012 Gold Medal Game: United States vs. Japan
By Ty Duffy
History: The USWNT has won three of the four gold medals since the women’s game was introduced in 1996. They lost the 2000 final to Norway to earn a silver medal.
Player to Watch: Alex Morgan, dubbed “the fox in the box” by Arlo White and exhibited naked by Sports Illustrated, has backed up her hype on the pitch, now starting and becoming a creative force as the team’s ball player behind the more aerial Wambach. Slight edge over sprightly American winger Megan Rapinoe.
Gender Equality: Japan is one of the countries still coping with the backlash after it emerged their men’s soccer team was flown first class while the women, defending World Cup champions, flew in coach. The Japanese FA is trying to rectify that for the flight home.
Lineup Change: Shannon Box will replace Lauren Cheney in midfield. Cheney is a converted forward and more of a playmaker. Boxx is a veteran, defensive midfielder, who has not started since the first match after suffering a hamstring injury. The Americans will make this change to shore up the defense.
Fact: Abby Wambach has 11 goals in 14 career knockout games. [Via @GrantWahl]
[Photo via Getty]