Photo: Associated Press
After 16 years, the U.S. women’s national team is back on top with their 2015 World Cup win.
In just the opening 16 minutes, team captain Carli Lloyd scored their first goal and after that the U.S. women’s team became unstoppable with a final score of 5-2 over Japan, capturing a record third World Cup title.
Abby Wambach #20 of the United States celebrates with wife Sarah Huffman after the USA’s 5-2 victory (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Standouts on the U.S. team included Lloyd and Hope Solo. Solo was awarded the Golden Glove as top goalkeeper. Lloyd, who scored an astonishing 50-yard goal and a hat trick in the first half, takes home the Golden Ball for most outstanding performance by a player in the tournament.
Openly gay player Abby Wambach, who has said that this will be her final World Cup, ends her Women’s World Cup career tied for the second-most goals in tournament history (14), trailing Brazil’s Marta by one. Wambach immediately celebrated her victory with wife Sarah Huffman on the sideline. The two have been married since 2013.
And a victory wouldn’t be complete without a message from the President and First Lady of the United States. President Obama tweeted: “What a win for Team USA! Great game @CarliLloyd! Your country is so proud of all of you. Come visit the White House with the World Cup soon.” Michelle Obama said: ‘USA! USA! USA! We’re all so proud of you!’
The match marked the third straight major final between the new nations. Japan beat the USA in penalties in the 2011 Women’s World Cup final only to be upended by the Americans in the 2012 Olympic gold medal game.
Check out Matt Lauer’s interview with Captain Carli Lloyd:
