Women's World Cup Finals 2015: Championship Schedule, Odds and Info

The United States go into Sunday's World Cup final as hot favourites to beat Japan, with Jill Ellis' side considered in pole position after beating the best team in the world, Germany, in the semi-finals. 

The Americans are currently 2-7 to lift the trophy, according to OddsShark.com, with reigning champions Japan standing at 5-2 after their slim victory over England. 

Here is the vital scheduling info for the final, including ways to watch the game in your region:

Date: Sunday, July 5

Time: 7:00 p.m. (ET), 12:00 a.m. Monday (BST)

Live Stream: Fox Sports 2Go (U.S. only), BBC iPlayer (UK only)

TV Info: Fox Sports (U.S. only); BBC Two and HD, Eurosport and HD (UK only)

Match Preview

Lightning has struck twice, as the footballing gods have once again pitted USWNT against Japan, just as it was four years ago in the last World Cup final.

On that day, Abby Wambach and the USA were hot favourites to win the title, and they resume this status on Sunday, hoping not to receive a shock to the system as they did in 2011. 

The Japanese edged the United States on penalties in the match, but they battled past hosts Germany, and Sweden, to prove themselves as worthy winners. 

The current USWNT squad is an aging setup, with Wambach and her team-mates in the last chance saloon to win the one title that has eluded them in modern times.

Nancy Armour of USA Today quoted the veteran striker reminiscing about the missed opportunity four years ago and her ambitions for Sunday:

It's a constant reminder [losing to Japan in 2011]. It's been a constant reminder. It's been that thing that's been within us, that fuels our fire, that motivates us. All I care about is winning this World Cup. In 2011, I felt like the stars were aligning. But guess what? The stars can blow up at any moment for us.

Wambach also lauded team-mate Carli Lloyd and tipped the No. 10 to lead her side to trophy glory:

In many ways, the USA are even bigger favourites than last time, with Japan looking toothless in front of goal. Two exceptionally lucky strikes against England were the only way the Japanese were going to make the final after being taken to task by their battling opponent. 

Japan have found a relatively uncomplicated route to the Vancouver showpiece, with the Americans forced to encounter the Germans and overcome a defensively strong China. 

Wambach may not be the player she once was—but in Lloyd and Alex Morgan—the Stars and Stripes have an attack for the ages. 

Though the American women have found goals tough to come by, their tactics have certainly shaped a mentality of winning football. 

Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated believes Ellis will now stick with her tried and tested competition formula, as she looks to lead her side to the Promised Land:

It’s rare to see two teams meet in three consecutive major tournament finals, so let’s salute the U.S. and Japan for a remarkable accomplishment. But as the U.S.’s Carli Lloyd said on Tuesday, the goal for the U.S. wasn’t to get to the final. It’s to win it. How will U.S. coach Jill Ellis approach her lineup choices? It’s early to speculate, but based on how well the U.S. played against Germany, it seems unlikely that many (if any) changes will be made.

Despite their lacklustre contribution to the tournament, Japan are certainly one of the most technical teams in the women's game—and could be considered better than USWNT at ball retention. They pass the ball like Barcelona in the men's game, and their fluid style gives them huge advantages in possession. 

However, America have found their physicality at this tournament, and their defence has performed to an outstanding level, led by the brilliant Julie Johnson. 

Johnson is one of the breakout stars of the 2015 Canadian finals, and she is sure to be a fixture in the USA team for the next decade. 

Japan must find a way to beat Johnson, whose dominance looks one step too far for the holders' attack. The USA are deserved favourites once again, but we have witnessed how this means very little in a one-off battle of wits.