The 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup final game between the United States and Japan will be played on Sunday July 17 at Frankfurt, Germany.  After winning the last two tournaments, the Germany women’s team will be sitting this one out.

Here are interesting facts of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments:

• The United States is the only team to reach the semi-finals in all six World Cup tournaments.

• In the quarter-finals versus Brazil, the United States’ Abby Wambach scored in the 122^th minute which is the latest goal ever scored in the Women’s World Cup.

• The Japanese Women’s team has never beaten the United States and is 0-22-3 against them in World Cup play.

• The United States is ranked 1^st overall by FIFA since March 18, 2011 and Japan is ranked 4^th.

• Germany’s captain Birgit Prinz did not play in their Group A, 4-2 victory over France and their quarter-final loss to Japan after struggling in her first two matches.  Prinz’s replacement, Inka Grings, scored 2 goals against France.

• Brazil’s Marta tied Germany’s Birgit Prinz as the Women’s World Cup overall top goal scorer with 14 goals.  Prinz did not score in 2011.

• The United States Abby Wambach has scored a goal in the last three matches which puts her in a tie with former US player Michelle Akers at 12 goals apiece.  She has a chance to move ahead in the final game versus Japan.

• Five players from North Korea and the goalkeeper from Columbia all failed doping tests either prior to or during the 2011 Women’s World Cup tournament.

• Brazil’s Daiane recorded an own goal at the 74 second mark of their quarter-final loss to the United States.

• Sixteen-year old Caitlin Foord of the Australian Women’s team started in three of the Matilda’s four matches and was given the “Best Young Player” award for the tournament.  The Matilda’s were ousted by Sweden in the quarter-finals, 3-1.

Germany and Birgit Prinz left wondering about their play in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Posted: 07/16/2011