InsideJapan News Network

Japan will face USA in the final of the 2011 Women's World Cup of Softball, just a week after the two countries clashed in the final of the FIFA Women's World Cup.

The two nations are set to go up against one another on Monday night (July 25th), in what has become the sport's biggest grudge match.

Since the competition was established by the Amateur Softball Association in 2005, Japan and USA have met in four previous finals.

Japan won the inaugural tournament in 2005 with a 3-1 win over their stateside rivals. Since then, however, the balance of power has shifted towards the USA, with 5-2, 3-0 and 5-1 wins recorded in 2006, 2007 and 2010.

However, this Japanese team were victorious at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, winning the gold medal ahead of the USA. So, everything is still to play for between the sport's two most decorated teams.

Both will be looking to get a win under their belts and the psychological upper hand going into next year, when they will more than likely come up against each other at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Written by Mark Smith