Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

The U.S. women’s World Cup team will play against Japan on Sunday, a formidable opponent dubbed the “sentimental favorite” for helping lift spirits back home after a devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis.

The game starts at 2:45 p.m. ET.

If it can pull an upset against Japan in the finals, Team USA will become the first to win the women’s World Cup three times.

The U.S. won the title in 1991 and 1999.

While the U.S. team is playing for bragging rights, Japanese players are hoping to give their citizens something to smile about after a March 11 earthquake that triggered a tsunami and a nuclear crisis.

“To be in the final is, to be honest, like a dream,” Japanese player Homare Sawa told FIFA, adding that her teammates plan to capitalize on any weaknesses. “We know USA are a great and strong team, but they have weak points too and there’s always a chance to score.”

But Japanese players have also won their share of fans, U.S. players said.

WRITTEN BY CNN.com & FULL STORY HERE