On July 5, 2015, the United States Women's National team made history by becoming the only country to win three World Cup championships after beating Japan 5-2 in a record high-scoring game. Why is this such a big deal? Because the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) has been waiting 16 years to win its third World Cup since their last victory in 1999.
Four years ago on July 17, 2011, the USWNT lost the FiFA world cup to Japan 3-1 in a penalty shoot out after a 2-2 draw with extended time. This loss left the USWNT with a bitter taste in their mouth, but it also fueled them to become fitter, stronger, and faster for the 2015 tournament.
More than 53,000 fans filled the BC Place stadium in Vancouver, Canada. It was evident that the 14 U.S. players and substitutes that took the pitch fed off of the crowd's energy and perfectly executed the game. If you don't already know the name Carli Lloyd, memorize it. Meet this generation's Mia Hamm. Not only did this midfielder make history after scoring a hat-trick (three goals in one game) in yesterday's final in less than 16 minutes, she also scored two penalty kicks against China and Germany earlier in the tournament, helping the U.S. reach the final. Fox sports reporter asked USWNT forward Abby Wambach to reflect on Lloyd's performance and she described it in one word: "ridiculous."
Ridiculous is exactly right. Lloyd's third goal might be the best in Women's soccer history. After beating a defender, she looked up at the goal and caught the Japan keeper, Miho Fukumoto, off her line and drove the ball into the back of the net from 54 yards away.
Lloyd was awarded the Golden Ball and the Silver Boot for her outstanding performance throughout the tournament. Lloyd might be the most credited player after the U.S. victory but she, among other WUSNT players, gave credit where it was due; Lloyd thanked her coach Jill Ellis. In several interviews, she also claimed the win wouldn't have been accomplished without all 23 players on the U.S. roster.
Although talent got the United States through group play and into the final, it was heart and pure determination that won a championship. The USWNT showcased their hard work and perseverance in the "American Woman" Nike Soccer commercial that highlighted young female soccer players. From the beginning of the tournament, the USWNT asked our country for support, and with commercials like the Nike soccer ad and hashtags like #shebelives, the association successfully brought the nation together.
After the USWNT won the World Cup in 1999, women's soccer became a global phenomenon and caused countries like Germany, England, and Japan to create more opportunities for women soccer players. This victory will not have a similar global impact, but it has already proven to have a great effect on our country. Today, Fox announced that yesterday's game was the most watched soccer match in U.S. history for men or women, averaging 25.4 million viewers, which surpassed the 23.2 million viewers who tuned in during game six of NBA final series which aired on June 16 2015.
If you weren't one of the million viewers who watched the final last night, don't worry. There will be more opportunities to watch the USWNT play in the future. The association has already announced their first friendly against Costa Rica as they prepare for the 2016 Summer Olympics. The game is scheduled August 16 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
