MONTREAL — It used to be that the U.S. women’s national team was known more for its fierce attack. For the Women’s World Cup in Canada, the Americans are finding success with a locked-down defense.

Goalkeeper Hope Solo, beleaguered at the start by new revelations in her domestic violence assault case last year, has been nearly perfect with five straight shutouts.

Her latest came on Tuesday night when the United States defeated top-ranked Germany in the semifinals before a raucous pro-American crowd at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium.

Normally so focused to the point of almost appearing stern, the television cameras caught Solo break into a smile late in the match when it appeared the United States had guaranteed its place in the final.

Now it’s on to the title match set for Sunday at BC Place in Vancouver.

The United States will face Japan in a rematch of the 2011 final. Japan beat England 2-1 Wednesday night in Edmonton.

The U.S. is 24-1-6 against Japan.

Four years ago in Germany, Japan defeated the United States on penalty kicks after a 2-all draw for its first World Cup title.

“In order to be the best team in the world at the World Cup, you have to beat the best teams,” Abby Wambach said. “We just beat the No. 1 team in the world in Germany and now we face Japan, another team that we have so much respect for. They have an amazing team and they’re the reigning World Cup champions, so I think it’s going to be a fantastic final. Everyone will have to bring their “A” game, and whoever finishes their chances the most will come out on top. Hopefully it will be us.”

The U.S. women have won two World Cups, but the last championship came in 1999. This will be the team’s fourth appearance in the final.

The team’s success so far in the tournament has been boosted not only by Solo’s spectacular work in goal but by a stellar backline of Meghan Klingenberg, Becky Sauerbrunn, Julie Johnston and Ali Krieger.

The United States has gone 513 minutes without conceding a goal. Only Australia, in the first half of the group-stage opener, has managed to score against the Americans.