Japan's Women's World Cup victory four years ago with a possession style approach was a turning point for the women's game that will be reflected in Sunday's final, according to United States head coach Jill Ellis.
Japan became the first Asian team to win the Women's World Cup when it defeated the U.S. on penalties in the final, having already dispatched traditional European powers Germany and Sweden.
"I think 2011, it was a watershed moment with Japan winning," said Ellis ahead of the 2015 final between the two sides on Sunday at BC Place.