The United States have won their third Women's World Cup
title after demolishing Japan 5-2 in the final in Vancouver.
The result looked a sure thing from the very beginning as
the Americans scored four goals inside the first 16 minutes.
Forward Carli Lloyd netted an incredible hat-trick in those
16 minutes - the fastest in both men's and women's World Cup history - as the
Americans raced past a shell-shocked and directionless Japan in the opening
stages
It proved perfect revenge for USA, who lost to Japan in the
previous World Cup final four years ago. In the process, USA became the most
successful team in the history of the Women's World Cup.
A well-worked corner routine in just the third minute saw
Lloyd hammer home from close range before she doubled USA's lead two minutes
later.
Japan struggled time and time again defending set pieces as
a free kick from the right flank was initially hand-balled by a Japan defender
before Simon side-footed home.
USA was 3-0 up inside 14 minutes when Lauren Holiday
finished superbly on the volley following another defensive error.
The humiliation seemed complete for Japan when Simon
completed her hat-trick, lobbing the ball over the dispirited Ayumi Kaihori
from miles out.
The hat-trick made Lloyd join top-scorer for the tournament
with Germany's Celia Sasic with six goals, all of which were scored in her last
four games.
Japan pulled a goal back to make it 4-1 as Yuki Ogimi
controlled a cross in the box before curling it past Hope Solo.
The Japanese reduced the deficit to two when Julie Johnstone
headed in to her own net, but the three-goal advantage was restored almost
immediately as Tobin Heath smashed home.
Abby Wambach and Christie Rampone came off the bench to
great applause for their 249th and 308th caps respectively, but no more goals
would follow as USA cruised to a record third triumph, adding to their 1991 and
1999 titles.
Lloyd's surge of goals late in the tournament saw her net
the Golden Ball award for the tournament's player.
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