7 goals in a World Cup final.
Nobody saw that coming. Absolutely no one. As much as USA came into the final as massive favourites, after Japan’s underwhelming performance against England, no one in their right mind would have tipped the US women to score 4 goals within the first 15 minutes.
But it happened. Carli Llyold, who has been nothing short of stupendous throughout this tournament, opened the scoring on the 3rd minute mark, before netting her second goal just two minutes later, to hand USA a 2-0 lead.
Japan tried easing themselves into the pace of the game, but before they could do so, USA fired again – this time around through Lauren Holiday on the 14th minute mark.
Two minutes later, Carli Lloyd produced a moment that would be etched in the history books forever. She collected the ball in her own half, took a glance at the Japanese goal and noticed that Ayumi Kaihori was way beyond her line, before unleashing a long-range effort that spectacularly landed inside the back of the net to make it 4-0.
Japan ultimately got themselves into the game and Yuki Ogimi scored their first goal on the 27th minute to make it 4-1. After the break, the Samurai Blues continued pushing on the offence and temporarily offered hope when Julie Johnston scored an own-goal to make it 4-2. But just moments later, Tobin Heath netted USA’s 5th goal as they held on to secure their first World Cup triumph since 1999!
As usual, Twitter exploded with some brilliant reactions to the game!
A toast to the WORLD CHAMPS #USWNT #MakeHistory ⚽️🏆 pic.twitter.com/QhXmXheB8P
— Jim Beam (@JimBeam) July 6, 2015
U.S. Women again prove when you support her, ensure her rights and protect her values she can accomplish anything. Congrats ladies #USWNT
— 💉♻️🇺🇸 Christopher Zullo (@ChrisJZullo) July 6, 2015
For every #USWNT player, there are dozens of youth, college & pro players/coaches who helped push them to this moment. #1N1T
— US Youth Soccer (@USYouthSoccer) July 6, 2015
World champs. The cup is coming back to the United States. Congratulations to the #USWNT. We're so proud.
— VP Biden (Archived) (@VP44) July 6, 2015
To put things into perspective, the #USWNT victory would have been an NFL score of approximately 437 to 14.
— Jon Acuff (@JonAcuff) July 6, 2015
We're the champions! Congrats to #USWNT & Japan on an amazing game. And now the Golden Globes are next? I thought those were in January.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@EllenDeGeneres) July 6, 2015
I am in a bar packed to the brim with people screaming about women’s sports. I’m so overjoyed about all of this. Thank you, #USWNT.
— Steph Haberman (@StephLauren) July 6, 2015
I hope this inspires an entire new generation of young kids to pick up and stick with a soccer ball, girls or boys. Historic. #USA #USWNT
— Cristian Nyari (@Cnyari) July 6, 2015
https://twitter.com/TheObamaDiary/status/617863045717565440
Japan you were just great this whole tournament. Congratulations #USA
— Emily Zurrer (@emme_z) July 6, 2015
Sorry Japan. Not on our birthday weekend #USA #WorldChamps
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) July 6, 2015
https://twitter.com/Tweets4AthIetes/status/617855519462522880
Kudos to Japan – fought hard throughout. Just wasn't their year.
— Alex Holz (@alexbhlz) July 6, 2015
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