The United States Soccer Women's National Team is one game away from winning its record-setting third World Cup Championship. The squad will play Japan on Sunday evening in Vancouver in the tournament finale. Southwestern women's soccer head coach Linda Hamilton played for the U.S. Women's National Team from 1987-95, helping the squad to the 1991 World Championship, as well as a bronze in the 1995 World Cup. She sat down with SouthwesternPirates.com to discuss the play of the American team as they prepare for one more game.

• Southwestern Pirates Facebook (reflecting on the 1991 World Championship)
• Time Warner Cable News Austin (discussing her time with the U.S. Women's National Team)

I think that it has been a great tournament for the U.S. One of the goals that you have when you enter a long tournament with a lot of games is being able to last the duration. I have been impressed with how the team has improved throughout the tournament and they are peaking at the right time. I think it has been impressive how they have adapted in each game. There's still one game to go, but you can tell that they are focused on what lies in front of them. Following the celebration of the win over Germany, you saw every player and every coach harp on the fact that there is one more game.

As a former defender, what has stood out to you as the key to the U.S. defensive success in this tournament?
They have been so tough and a wall, honestly. I do believe that defense isn't only on the four backs and the keeper. One of the reasons that I think they have been so successful is that the entire team has bought in and really worked on the defensive side of the ball. You can tell that the back line is a cohesive unit. They know that if they play well then it gives the U.S. a chance to win. Julie Johnston has been unbelievable in this tournament. Meghan Klingenberg and Ali Krieger have been super on the outsides, and Becky Sauerbrunn is the rock that holds everything into place. We also have the best goalkeeper in the world, in Hope Solo. I love that they are getting the attention and credit they deserve for their effort, their work rate and success.

You have been to this point as a player before. What is going through their heads as they prepare for Sunday's championship match with Japan?
I think it's business at hand. They came into this tournament not to win the group and not to beat Germany. They came in to the tournament to reclaim the world championship. I think right now they are very focused. I'm sure they enjoyed the moment on Tuesday night, but it's a brand new day. They are taking care of their bodies, taking care of their nutrition and taking care of their hydration. Right now, I'm sure they are antsy and want to get back out and play. I'm sure they are being professional about it and recognize that the job is not yet completed.

You played for Jill Ellis at NC State. She's now the manager of the U.S. Women's National Team. How would you describe her coaching style?
I think she is a phenomenal coach on the tactics of the game and the technical side. But, I think what her best attribute is, and it's evident in this World Cup, is managing the entire tournament and the squad that she has. She has used the majority of her bench. She has managed their intensity, setup and the system that they are trying to play. In the last two games, I thought her management of the actual contests and the subs were outstanding. She and her staff have been great. They really know the personnel well and are know how to get the best out of them. She has a great talent of getting the best out of each player.

Is there a specific player that you can single out as the most important to the U.S. in this year's World Cup?
I think that's hard to say. I would lean toward Julie Johnston on the defensive side. She has blossomed and exploded to the talent that she is. It's great that she has been able to find out how good she can be so early in her career with the national team. It bodes well for us in the future. Offensively, it's tough not to be enamored by Carli Lloyd, who I've always loved as a player. What is great about Carli, is that when the going gets tough, she always finds that extra gear to step up. She has come through with moments of brilliance at critical times in this tournament. I also have to mention the youngest player on the squad, Morgan Brian, who I have known for several years and seen her grow as a player. What I love about her game is that she is so precise. She is not flashy, but she is vital as a teammate. I have been impressed with the whole team. You can tell they have come together and have each other's backs.