In the highest-scoring game in Women's World Cup final history, the United States defeated Japan 5-2 on Sunday night in Vancouver, British Columbia. This victory marks the third World Cup title for the U.S. Women's National Team.
In a repeat of the 2011 World Cup finals, the United States and Japan faced off in a game that saw many firsts. With a chance at redemption, the U.S. Women's team came to play after a devastating loss to Japan in the 2011 World Cup finals during penalty kicks.
With two outstanding defensive teams on the field, a surprising seven total goals were scored.
The United States pulled ahead quickly scoring an impressive four goals in the first 16 minutes of play. At 32, midfielder Carli Lloyd lit up the field, scoring an unheard of three goals in 16 minutes — the earliest hat trick in Women's World Cup history. Lloyd knocked in the first two U.S. goals in the third and fifth minutes, rocketing the U.S. to a 2-0 lead less than six minutes into the game. She completed her hat trick in the 16th minute, following a goal in the 14th minute by Lauren Holiday; pulling the U.S. to a 4-0 lead. Lloyd is one of only two women to score a hat trick during a World Cup final.
Japan answered these goals with a goal of their own during the 27th minute, and the teams returned to their locker rooms at half-time with the U.S. leading 4-1. Japan scored one final goal in the second half, which was an own-goal that deflected off of the U.S.'s Julie Johnston in the 51st minute. The U.S. team solidified their lead in the 53rd minute with a goal by Tobin Heath; pulling ahead to 5-2.
Several U.S. players were recognized with World Cup awards following the victory. Carli Lloyd received several awards for her impressive performance, not only against Japan, but throughout the tournament. Lloyd received both the Silver Boot (awarded to the second highest goalscorer of the tournament) and Golden Ball (awarded to the best player in the World Cup final) awards, making her the first American to win the Golden Ball since Carin Jennings in 1991. Goalkeeper Hope Solo received the Golden Glove award (given to the best goalkeeper of the tournament) at age 33. Other notable players include captain, Abby Wambach, who played her last game on Sunday at age 35 and will be retiring as the U.S.'s all-time scorer (among both men and women).
This Women's World Cup was held in the midst of serious FIFA controversy, with FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, failing to attend the Women's World Cup finals for "personal reasons" which include fear of arrest (according to the Los Angeles Times). This marks the first Women's World Cup Tournament at which Blatter has not presented the winning team with the World Cup trophy since assuming the FIFA presidency in 1998. Blatter, along with several other FIFA officials, are currently under criminal investigation by U.S. officials who are exploring allegations of corruption within the FIFA organization.
Even through this controversy, the U.S. Women's team kept their eyes on the prize and brought home the World Cup after 16 long years.
