Lloyd unstoppable as USA march into last 16 stage

PARIS: Veteran Carli Lloyd became the first player to score in six consecutive Women’s World Cup matches as the United States eased to a 3-0 win over Chile on Sunday and joined Sweden in securing their passage to the last 16.

That the US’ winning margin was nowhere near their record-breaking 13-0 hammering of Thailand in their opening game was largely down to the heroics of Chile’s brilliant goalkeeper Christiane Endler, but it was still a onesided victory for the holders.

Lloyd had been eager to show she was still worthy of a starting place in Jill Ellis’ US side and she came into the line-up as one of seven changes.

She netted twice in the first half either side of a Julie Ertz goal, as the US followed the Swedes in advancing from Group F.

“This is the best version of me in my career. Whether you put me up top or in the midfield, I can do it,” said 36-yearold Lloyd, whose goals at the Parc des Princes saw her overtake the mark of Birgit Prinz, the German who netted in five consecutive matches at the 2003 World Cup.

“There is no doubt in my mind that I am just going to stay ready, stay focused, because you never know what can happen,” she said of the prospect of keeping her place.

Hat-trick hero in the 2015 final, Lloyd squandered the chance to get a third goal in this game at the Parc des Princes as she missed a late penalty. She had earlier hit the woodwork twice.

Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe were among those rested completely by Ellis as the US put on a show to delight their fans, who made up the majority of the 45,594 crowd.