On top of the world

U.S. routs Japan 5-2 in final to win Women’s World Cup

Carli Lloyd put an exclamation point on her country’s stunning four-goal barrage in the opening 16 minutes with a hattrick strike from the halfway line as the United States demolished Japan 5-2 in the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday.

Lauren Holiday and Tobin Heath had the other goals for the Americans, who claimed their third title after previously winning in 1991 and 1999.

Julie Johnston put a ball in her own net in the second half, while Yuki Ogimi had the other goal for Japan, which won its only World Cup by beating the U.S. on penalties four years ago.

This one wasn’t nearly as close.

In front of a raucous proAmerican crowd of 53,341 at B.C. Place Stadium that included U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden, Lloyd opened the scoring in the third minute on a nicely worked corner kick, guiding home Megan Rapinoe’s low drive after making a strong run to the penalty spot.

The American captain then made it 2-0 with her fifth of the tournament just two minutes later by poking home Holiday’s free kick after it was flicked on by Johnston in a chaotic penalty area.

Holiday went from provider to scorer in the 14th minute, jumping on a terrible mistake by defender Azusa Iwashimizu to volley it home past helpless Japanese goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori.

Lloyd then completed her hat trick two minutes after that on a goal that will be replayed over and over.

She picked up the ball in her own territory and moved towards half before unleashing a shot towards goal. Kaihori stumbled as she tracked back and could only watch as the ball went off her hand, off the post and in.

As the Americans on the pitch and in the stands celebrated, Kaihori lay on her back with her hands covering her face.

When play resumed, Lloyd could have easily scored a fourth goal on a header moments later that went just wide.

Japan eventually steadied its ship and got one back in the 27th minute when Ogimi collected a ball in front of Hope Solo and beat the U.S. ‘keeper with a high shot she could only get a finger to.

The goal was the first the Americans had conceded since their opening game, a span of 540 minutes.

Japan subbed on veteran midfielder Homare Sawa and striker Yuika Sugasawa later in the half, but the Americans took a 4-1 lead into the break.