So here we are, coming to the end of what has been a truly memorable Women's World Cup and gearing up for the final no one predicted but everyone is talking about. For the U.S., the chance to flip the calendar forward from 1999 and shake off any lingering doubts about its true place in the world rankings. For Japan, the chance finally to make its mark on the world stage, and delight a nation that has been captivated by the team's adventure in what has been a traumatic year.
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