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What to watch: The things the U.S. needs to do to hoist the trophy

What to watch: The things the U.S. needs to do to hoist the trophy

The final game of the Women’s World Cup is here.

It seems like only yesterday we were all complaining about the United States and its poor midfield and its slim chances of getting into the final.

[FC Yahoo: Women's World Cup Final Live – USA vs. Japan at 7 p.m. ET]

Now, just a month later, here the U.S. women are, ready to avenge their finals defeat from four years ago against reigning champion Japan.

[USA vs. Japan: Live match statistics and play-by-play]

It really is poetic.

But if the United States wants to hoist the trophy, here are a few things it needs to do in Sunday’s final.

Keep the new formation

Whether you call it a 4-3-3 or a 4-3-2-1, the U.S. women called it successful against a Germany team few thought they would beat. For the first time all tournament, the Americans looked organized and confident and moved the ball with a precision that was lacking even before the tournament began. That type of play is going to be important against a Japanese side that is known for its organization and crisp passing.

This is going to be a highly technical game and a lot of it will be in the midfield. The U.S. has dominated this area in its last two games thanks to strong defensive play by Morgan Brian and freer offensive play by Carli Lloyd.

Games are won and lost in the middle of the field. Not sure if the Americans have a better midfield than Japan, but they're definitely playing like it.

Don’t get caught watching

Japan has scored some really beautiful goals in this tournament and a lot of its chances have come because defenders get caught watching the ball and forgetting what’s happening behind them. The Japanese, as a collective group, probably see the field better than any team in the tournament. That comes from organization and knowing that a teammate will be where she’s supposed to be.

That said, the U.S. midfield and defense have to be cognizant of players coming in from behind and on the backside. The beautiful passing can’t mesmerize the Americans. Their defense needs to be aggressive against playmakers and shut down attacks before they start.

Do it for Abby, but don’t rely on Abby

There are probably few players on the field that want this title more than Abby Wambach, who is playing in her last World Cup game. It’s really the only thing she hasn’t achieved in her illustrious career.

Yes, Wambach has a size advantage against the Japanese defense, but it’s going to be important for the U.S. not to get too wrapped up into always getting her the ball. That’s a strategy that has failed throughout the tournament. If Wambach’s on, then she’s on, but the Americans need to keep working the ball to Megan Rapinoe and Tobin Heath on the flanks and keep using Lloyd in the middle. Also, let Alex Morgan put pressure on the Japanese defense with her speed and let the game flow.

Yes, Wambach is going to be a focus in this game, but she can’t be the only focus.

Starts fast and set the tempo

The thing that sets Japan apart from other teams is its patience. It will knock that ball around all day waiting for just one opportunity to strike. The Japanese have the highest pass completion percentage of the tournament at 80 percent, including 61 percent in the final third. The U.S. can’t get lulled into that.

The Americans need to set the tempo early and they need to make Japan uncomfortable. They need to press high, put the Japanese on their heels and break down that passing game. If the U.S. can use the same high pressure it used against Germany, it should be able to generate some early opportunities.

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