The match between Germany and Japan on Monday in the Dragon Stadium in Hangzhou will determine who finishes top of Group A. After two games, Germany and Japan are level on four points at the top, with the current world champions enjoying a vastly superior goal difference. A draw on Monday evening would be enough for Germany to go through to the quarter-final, but if Japan pick up only a point, they will have to hope that England fail to beat Argentina by more than a one-goal margin.

The match
Germany-Japan, Hangzhou, Monday 17 September, 20:00 (local time)

The stakes
Despite only drawing with England, Germany remain well-placed to progress to the quarter-final. Indeed, only a German defeat by Japan and a win for England over Argentina would see the title-holders eliminated. Hiroshi Ohashi's side know that they will be through regardless of their own result if England, currently two points adrift of the leading pair, fail to win.

The players
Germany coach Silvia Neid will have to do without Simone Laudehr after the midfielder picked up a yellow card in each of the two opening matches. Another four players are one caution away from missing a potential quarter-final: Saskia Bartusiak, Fatmire Bajramaj and Annike Krahn for Germany and Hiromi Isozaki for Japan.

The past
History favours Germany, who have won all six previous encounters between the teams. Two of these matches were in FIFA Women's World Cups, with Germany winning 3-0 four years ago and 1-0 in Sweden in 1995, when coach Neid scored the only goal of the match.

The words

We've shown our spirit and physical stamina with late goals in both games so far. Now we need to focus on the next match - and beating Germany. They are a very strong team and we'll have to be strong mentally against them - Eriko Arakawa,Japan forward

"If we give Japan room to play then they could hurt us. We're ready for that. Monday is a decisive match. We need to find the right balance and play a really good match - Silvia Neid,Germany coach