USA destroys Japan 5-2 to win Women's World Cup

The United States thrashed Japan 5 – 2 to clinch the title at the Fifa Women’s World Cup final.

This marks the USA’s third World Cup title and the match on Sunday was a rematch of the 2011 Women’s World Cup final, and a redemption story for the Americans. Buoyed by Carli Lloyd running wild and free in the attack, USA stunned the Japanese. Lloyd scored three times in just 16 minutes to propel the Americans to their 5-2 win and their first World Cup in 16 years.

The American midfielder put the 1991 and 1999 champions two goals up within five minutes. Lauren Holiday scored a beautiful 14th-minute volley off a loose ball that will be overshadowed by Lloyd’s dazzling performance.

Japan, the 2011 winners retaliated thanks to a Yuki Ogimi strike and a Julie Johnston own goal. They couldn’t test USA goalkeeper Hope Solo enough, officially recording four shots on goal, but a couple of those saves barely stretched Solo. But Tobin Heath made it 5-2 before 60 minutes had elapsed and despite further pressure, English coach Jill Ellis’s USA side held on.

The pulsating finale to an entertaining tournament was the highest-scoring final in the tournament’s history, and matched the highest scoring men’s final, when Brazil defeated Sweden by the same scoreline in 1958.