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The United States has won its third Women’s World Cup title with a 5-2 victory over Japan on Sunday in Vancouver, Canada. The victory was the first for the US team since 1999.
In a repeat of the 2011 final, which Japan won on penalties, the Nadeshiko could not live with their stronger and quicker opponents, who were 4-0 up by the time Lloyd scored an astonishing third from the half-way line.
The Americans became the first country with three women’s titles and got a measure of revenge for their loss in the 2011 final against Japan. Abby Wambach and Christie Rampone, the only player remaining from the 1999 title team, both came on as subs late in what’s expected to be their final World Cup appearances.
Lloyd scored in the third, sixth and 16th minutes, the last a speculative shot from midfield that beat Japan goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori.
Her third-minute opener was the quickest goal in a Women's World Cup final as she latched onto Megan Rapinoe's perfectly directed corner. The 32-year-old added another after Japan failed to clear a free-kick.
It got worse for Norio Sasaki's side when Iwashimizu gifted Holiday a goal when her clearance header merely looped up in the air and the USA midfielder took advantage.
Lloyd's wonder goal, which completed a first Women's World Cup final hat-trick and made her the tournament's joint top scorer along with Germany's Celia Sasic, appeared to have ended the game as a contest.
A Women's World Cup final of firsts
USA defender Christie Rampone is tournament's oldest ever player
Seven-goal thriller the highest scoring final in Women's World Cup history
Carli Lloyd's 13-minute hat-trick the first in a Women's World Cup final
Few minutes after the match, US President Barack Obama congratulated the US team on his Twitter handle @POTUS, saying “what a win for Team USA! Great game @CarliLloyd! Your country is so proud of all of you. Come visit the White House with the World Cup soon.”
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