Carli Lloyd led United States to their first Women's World Cup title in 16
years, scoring a hat-trick in a 5-2 thrashing of Japan on Sunday.
Lloyd netted a first-half hat-trick at BC Place in Vancouver as USA
clinched their third World Cup title.
It included a remarkable goal from the halfway line as Jill Ellis' team
dominated, with Lauren Holiday also scoring as they went 4-0 up inside
16 minutes.
Lloyd joined England hero Geoff Hurst (1966) as the only players to net
trebles in World Cup finals.
A Yuki Ogimi goal and Julie Johnston own gave Japan hope, but Tobin
Heath netted to seal USA's win.
Reigning world champions Japan were left to rue their defending from
set-pieces, and USA made them pay early on.
Lloyd led the way and her team were irresistible in the opening stages in
Vancouver.
They made an incredible start with four goals in the first 16 minutes,
including her hat-trick.
Lloyd struck in the third minute, meeting a Megan Rapinoe corner with a
powerful side-footed effort.
It was 2-0 moments later and again from a set-piece, this time Lloyd
scrambling in from close range.
USA's impeccable start continued when Holiday volleyed in expertly after a
poor clearance in the 14th minute.
Lloyd provided the highlight to complete her hat-trick two minutes later.
Preparing to launch a counter-attack, the midfielder instead opted to shoot
from halfway after spotting Ayumi Kaihori off her line.
The goalkeeper scrambled desperately but, as she fell, Kaihori could only
get a hand on the shot and see it go in off the post.
If Japan had any hopes of a comeback, they needed to strike at least once
before half-time.
They pulled a goal back in the 27th minute through Ogimi, who took a pass
from Nahomi Kawasumi before curling a fine effort past Hope Solo.
The comeback continued with Japan's second goal seven minutes into the
second half, as Johnston headed past her own keeper Solo to make it 4-2.
But a set-piece would prove to be Japan's undoing once more soon after.
Kaihori could only punch a corner to the back post and Morgan Brian
cutback for Heath to strike and seal the win and the title.
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