Analysis - World Cup final represents classic clash of styles

Japan's women's national soccer team head coach Norio Sasaki (R) congulatulates Yuki Ogimi as she is substituted during their women's international friendly soccer match against Italy in Nagano, central Japan, May 28, 2015. REUTERS/Toru Hanai -

VANCOUVER (Reuters) - The United States and Japan may be familiar foes but that doesn't make Sunday's Women's World Cup final any less of a tactical conundrum for both teams with the game a classic clash of styles.

The defending world and Asian champions play a clever, short-passing, possession game while the rival Americans rely more on their athleticism, individual flair and power in the final third.