He, who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day. Perhaps, this ancient axiom captures the feelings of Team USA, as they face Japan in yet another epic World Cup final tomorrow here in Vancouver.

Four years ago in Frankfurt, Germany, the Americans were pitched against the Japanese in the final. On two occasions, the Americans were on the lead, including a second goal three minutes away from the World Cup title.

But the resilient Japanese came back, drew level at 2-2 and went to lift the title on 3-2 scoreline during the ensuing penalty shootout. It remains the most painful defeat for America’s women team in the history of the World Cup.   Now the Americans have a chance to rewrite the books against the fast moving Japanese.

For U.S. coach, Jill Ellis and her players, the goal is not just to entertain spectators, but to win the title. “We have the best set of players to win it,” Ellis said after a training session on Friday.

“We have to extend our record, but I know our opponents are thinking the same way.”   The Japanese have played the most attractive possession soccer of any team in this championship.

They forced the Three Lionesses (England) to commit a blunder in their semifinal tie, when Laura Bassett scored the decisive own goal two minutes into injury time.

The terrific attacking work by Japan’s Nahomi Kawasumi, and teamwork with others in front of goal will be always be a reminder for the Americans throughout the duration of play tomorrow.

Japan won all their matches in this World Cup, a result coach Norio Sasaki attributes to hard work. “My girls know how to play together and create problems for defenses,” he told The Guardian yesterday.

After losing 2-3 on penalties to Japan at Germany 2011 Women’s World Cup, the Americans turned the tables at London 2012 Olympics Games, winning the gold medal with a 2–1 win.

But it’s the World Cup title that determines greatness in soccer, and so, the Americans say they will go all out to grab this title.   Team captain, Abby Wambach, thinks it is achievable, having dealt a heavy blow on the Germans with a 2-0 victory in the semi final.

“The World Cup is a bigger tournament than the Olympics,” she said. “We have to do it this time because a second defeat to Japan will be too bad,”   “To be the best team in the world at the World Cup, you have to beat the best teams. We beat the number one team in the world  (Germany) and I am so sure we can do it against Japan. This is another team that we have so much respect for.

They have an amazing team and they’re the reigning World Cup champions, so I think it’s going to be a fantastic final,” Wambach said.   U.S. defender, Ali Krieger, likes the way her squad has performed so far in the championship, especially in the semi against Germany. “I’m excited. You always want a great game in the final, and that’s why we are here.

“It is fun to face Japan again, but we are really focusing on ourselves. We have good momentum, there’s a really positive feel around the team, and we will be ready for a great final on Sunday,” she added.