U.S. wins Women’s World Cup with 5-2 rout of Japan in final
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The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team waited four years for another chance in a World Cup final. In less than four minutes, it grabbed a lead that would not be relinquished.
The U.S. defeated Japan, 5-2, to win the 2015 Women’s World Cup on Sunday in Vancouver. The victory marked the third time the U.S. has won the Women’s World Cup (1991, 1999, 2015), and avenged a defeat to Japan in the 2011 final.
“Pure elation,’’ U.S. coach Jill Ellis told FOX on the field shortly after the final whistle when asked how she was feeling. “I’m just so, so proud of this team and these players, and so happy for them, so happy for every little girl that dreams about this.’’
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Veteran midfielder Carli Lloyd scored the opening goal for the U.S. in the third minute en route to a historic first-half hat trick. It was the first-ever hat trick in a Women’s World Cup final. After scores in the third and fifth minutes, Lloyd capped her early barrage with a long-range goal unleashed from midfield in the 16th.
“I was just on a mission,’’ Lloyd told FOX after the win. “I was on a mission to help my team win this game.’’
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Lloyd’s audacious third score came two minutes after midfielder Lauren Holiday contributed a goal with a brilliant volley. Japan’s Yuki Ogimi pulled one score back in the 28th minute, ending a 540-minute scoreless streak for the U.S., for a 4-1 scoreline at the intermission.
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Japan scored the first goal of the second half in the 52nd minute through an own goal by U.S. defender Julie Johnston, but a response came quickly. Tobin Heath slotted home a fifth goal for the U.S. squad just two minutes later.
With those fans in the stands clad in red, white and blue impatiently waiting for the final whistle and the team representing them doing its best to hold on for the win, Lloyd passed the captain’s armband to teammate Abby Wambach. The leading scorer in international soccer history, Wambach entered as a substitute forward in the 79th minute.
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After the final whistle sounded and the celebrations began, Lloyd was named the Golden Ball Award winner as the most oustanding player of the tournament. U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo, who allowed just three goals during the tournament, won the Golden Glove Award as the top keeper.
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