the match was between the united states (usa), which had been a major power in women's association football since winning the inaugural world cup championship, and japan, which had never won a major world title, or indeed even reached the finals of a major world competition. this was also the first appearances of the united states in the final after 12 years. the united states was bidding to become the first team to win a third world championship, having won in 1991 and 1999. japan became the fourth team to win a world championship, joining the united states, norway and germany.