In a rematch of the 2011 Women's World Cup final, the United States national soccer team redeemed themselves against Nadeshiko Japan after trampling the latter 5-2.
Carli Lloyd made history and put U.S. on top early in the game by netting the opener at the third-minute, making the quickest goal in a Women's World Cup final. And just, within a couple of minutes the American midfielder put his squad two goals up for a stunning start.
The Asians nightmare continued when Lauren Holiday volleyed in after Azusa Iwashimizu's woeful header. It was a gift the Americans welcomed, giving them a 3-0 lead.
If her two goals weren't enough, Lloyd dominated the match and completed a hat-trick in the 16th-minute, tying Germany's Celia Sasic as the tournament's top scorer.
Japan didn't go without a fight. They managed to nab a pair of goals, thanks to an assist by Nahomi Kawasumi which Yuki Ogimi converted into a goal which was followed by a Julie Johnston own goal. English coach Jill Ellis's USA side held on through another point by Tobin Heath before the 60th-minute.
The clash ended with a 5-2 scoreline in favor of the USA making them the only nation who have won the World Cup title three times (1991,1999 and 2015).
"It’s a surreal moment," Lloyd said. "It’s been amazing. We just wrote history today and brought this World Cup trophy home, which is unbelievable."
However, Japan head coach Norio Sasaki praised Lloyd for an excellent performance which surpassed her production in the 2012 Olympics where USA also won gold over Japan.
"She always does this to us," Sasaki said. "In London, she scored twice. Today, she scored three times. So, we’re embarrassed, but she’s an excellent player."
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