It is always sad when a World Cup ends. No more matches at all hours of the day, no more constant media coverage, no more excitement with new heros daily emerging from obscurity. This year's 2011 Women's World Cup was as entertaining an affair as we have seen from this (or any other tournament) in quite some time.

FELIZ MARTES! The shortlist for the Women's FIFA Ballon d'Or has been announced and surprise, surprise, three of the names drawn are from the US national team. The winners, Japan, also have two possible winners in the list, as do France. Abby Wambach (seen above with a fan), Hope Solo and Aya Miyama are a few of the key names but all these talented futbolitas are all winners in their own right.

Sunday's final vs Japan is going to be verrrryyyy interesting!! 2 completely different teams but with the same die hard attitude! I'm torn over who I want to win, because I'm not totally sold on the US team yet. Their style is...not so attractive, but their chemistry and attitude is immense.

Lauren Cheney will need to control the tempo in midfield if the US are to defeat Japan.