FRANKFURT, Germany (AP)

With two World Cup titles and three Olympic gold medals, the United States have history on their side in tomorrow's final against Japan.

With their lightning-quick passing and slick combination play, the Japanese may well have a grip on the future of the game.

The physical, sweeping game of the Americans stands in sharp contrast with the close, possession-oriented game of Japan, turning the match into an intriguing clash of styles.

The United States beat Japan in two pre-World Cup friendlies, but that will count for little in the final.

"They're a different team here in the World Cup," United States captain Christie Rampone said. "It brings a different level."

The accolades for Japan have been coming in from all angles, comparing their style with that of Barcelona and even Brazil's "beautiful game".

highest level

Japan has sought to develop that flair for years, but only this time do they have the confidence to execute it at the highest level. Japan coach Norio Sasaki said his team was ready to reach the Olympic semi-finals three years ago in Beijing and "this time we said, let's go to the final".

Twice he delivered.

The cup is also within reach, he said.

"It's definitely not impossible," Sasaki said. "It is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to win this and beat the No 1 team in the world."

Japan's breakthrough victory came in the quarter-finals last weekend when they beat hosts Germany, the two-time defending champions, in extra time when they proved fitter than their big, lumbering opponents. "It proved things like that are possible," Sasaki said.

'It is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to win this and beat the No 1 team in the world.'