USA win Women's World Cup final
July 6, 2015
The United States celebrated Independence Day weekend with a 5-2 win over Japan in Vancouver on Sunday.
World Cup holders Japan hardly touched the ball as the game got underway, conceding four goals in the first sixteen minutes.
The first came from a low hit corner by Megan Rapinoe which allowed Carli Lloyd to strike home from near the penalty spot after 3 minutes. In just a couple of minutes Lloyd was back on the scoresheet as she made the most of a low struck free-kick from Lauren Holiday to score her second goal in 5 minutes. They were the two fastest goals in Women's World Cup Final. Lloyd later received the Golden Ball award as the outstanding player of the tournament.
It was just a matter of minutes before Tobin Heath hit a ball forward which Lauren Holiday struck home on the volley to score the US team's third goal in 14 minutes.
Lloyd's most creative goal and her hat-trick came after 16 minutes when from near the halfway line she spotted keeper Ayumi Kaihori off her goal line. Lloyd hit a high shot goalwards which a desperate Kaihori could only touch at full stretch and see the ball go over her head into the net.
Lloyd nearly scored again within minutes - but just missed becoming the first person to score four goals in either a men's or a women's World Cup final.
Japan's Yuki Ogimi brought Japan back into the game as she scored by spinning away from the US defense in the 27th minute before finding the back of the net.
Japan's coach Norio Sasaki made two first half substitutions, bringing on the stars of the 2011 Final Homare Sawa and Yuika Sugasawa.
After half time Japan appeared to have recovered some of their composure as Aya Miyama hit a well struck free kick into the back of the net, just touched by Julie Johnston, to reduce the deficit.
But the three goal lead was restored for the US as Heath scored from close range after Morgan Brian had taken a corner which caused keeper Kaihori all kinds of problems.
Veterans Abby Wambach and Christie Rampone were brought on as late substitutes. Wambach was given the captain's armband and was one of the first to collect her medal and touch the trophy after the US win. They are the only team to have won the title three times.
Referee Kateryna Monzul from Ukraine was praised by commentators for her astute handling of the game.
jm/jr (AFP, AP)