The 2015 Women's World Cup final will be a repeat of the previous edition four years ago, with defending champions Japan facing two-time winners the United States.

Before the tournament reaches its climax this Sunday (Monday morning in Singapore) in what promises to be an exciting sequel, we look back at some of the major talking points and highlights of the month-long tournament held for the first time in Canada.

1. Hosts Canada get off to a flying start on opening day with a dramatic late winner to beat 1999 finalists China 1-0

A week after a corruption scandal erupted Fifa, matters on the pitch captured the imagination of the footballing world.

Both teams were greeted by a sea of red on a perfect late spring day inside the 56,000-seater Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton.

Chinese forward Wang Lisi almost ruined the script for the hosts when her free kick beat Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod but unbelievably, it hit the near post and far post before bouncing clear.

Just as it seemed a draw was on the cards, defender Rong Zhao fouled substitute Adriana Leon inside the box.

Up stepped captain Christine Sinclair to score her 154th goal for her country to complete a remarkable opening day and get Canada's campaign off to the perfect start.

2. Controversial choice of artificial surface