The United States has won the FIFA Women’s World Cup Title for the third time by defeating Japan in the final match 5-2. The US had previously won the title in 1991 and 1999. Carli Lloyd became unstoppable and scored three times as the U.S. jumped to a four-goal lead in the first 16 minutes. It was the fastest hat trick in World Cup history – men or women – and Lloyd became the first American since Michelle Akers in 1991 to score multiple goals in a World Cup final. It’s the first time any team has scored more than two goals in a Women’s World Cup final.
The trophy was presented by FIFA Senior Vice President Issa Hayatou of Cameroon, the head of African soccer’s governing body. Hope Solo won her second straight Golden Glove as top goalkeeper of the tournament. Veteran Christie Rampone, at 40 the oldest player in the tournament and the only player remaining from the 1999 squad, came on for the last five minutes of the contest.
Tidbits
- The only other hat trick in a World Cup final was when England’s Geoff Hurst scored three times against Germany in the men’s 1966 final at Wembley.
- The first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup was held in 1991.
- The venue for 2015 Women’s World Cup was Canada.
GK Question
- Which country will host the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup? France
