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Womens World Cup 2015: US Womens Team Now Three-Time Champs After Crushing Japan [Video]

By Toni Matthews
Published on: 23:48 PST, Jul 5, 2015

The Womens World Cup trophy will return to the US thanks to an impressive win over Japan in the final. It was a bitter loss for Japan, a team that dreamed of a repeat championship after beating England in their semi-final match. It was the US that they beat to win the trophy in 2011 — A sore point that perhaps motivated the American side to pull off the stunning win.

The game took place before a sold-out crowd of 53,341 in Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium. The proximity to the United States probably explains why so much of the crowd featured dedicated American fans, all ready to cheer their team on to victory. Whether it was the home crowd advantage or their own desire for vengeance, the US found themselves at a 4-0 advantage shockingly early.

It was thanks in large part to player Carli Lloyd, who managed to score a hat trick within the first 13 minutes of play. It was reportedly the fastest hat trick ever scored in a Womens World Cup final.

The icing on the cake came in the 16th minute. Lauren Holiday found the back of the net from a staggering 54 yards out, bringing the score to 4-0. This was clearly not the same team Japan met in 2011; this one had done its homework and was determined to take its revenge for the previous defeat.

Although, Yuki Ogimi’s goal in the 27th minute put Japan on the board, for many viewers, the game was already over. But to the credit of the Japan women’s team, they did not give up. An own goal by Julie Johnston brought the score to 4-2, and briefly gave Japan hope of a comeback. That hope was shattered in a single minute as US players answered with a fifth goal.

There would be no close game, no penalty shootout…only a 5-2 thumping from which Japan would not recover.

Despite the rivalry and desire for retribution on the pitch, there is a great deal of respect between these two teams. Although Japan’s players were visibly disappointed in the loss, the US paid respect to their opponents by forming a guard of honor.

Next it was time for US players to collect their awards, which included the Silver Boot and Golden Ball for Carli Lloyd. Goalkeeper Hope Solo took the Golden Glove. The trophy was hoisted by veterans Abby Wambach and Christie Rampone, a fitting choice as the women will likely not appear in the next Women’s World Cup.

Although it is a bittersweet goodbye for certain USWNT members, winning the trophy is arguably the best way to go out. Many agree that the US vs. Japan Womens World Cup final was an exciting match and a testament to the growing popularity of soccer within the United States.

[Image Credit: Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images]

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