The United States lifted the Women’s World Cup for the third time on SUN 05 JUL 2015 after a convincing 5-2 win over Japan in the final. US captain Carli LLOYD recorded a hat trick after only sixteen minutes.

The Vancouver air was filled with smoke due to nearby wildfires, but it was the Japanese defense who appeared to be in a fog. They went down 2-0 after only five minutes, both goals scored by Lloyd on set pieces. An ineffective clearance led to the third goal by Lauren HOLIDAY, followed quickly by an audacious chip from the halfway line that Lloyd put past Japanese keeper Ayumi KAIHORI.

Yūki ŌGIMI pulled one back for Japan in the 27th minute as she turned and fired past US keeper Hope SOLO, the first goal conceded by the US since the opening match against Australia.

Nadeshiko manager Norio SASAKI had no choice but to make two substitutions during the first half, bringing in Homare SAWA and Yuika SUGASAWA. Still, the Japanese squad were so discombobulated that at one point, two players attempted to take throwins simultaneously.

Japan had nothing to lose, though, and found another goal early in the second half. American defender Julie JOHNSTON, attempting to head away a free kick by Aya MIYAMA, instead put it beyond Solo’s reach. But the US responded just two minutes later, Tobin HEATH finishing after a corner.

After the final whistle, US veterans Abby WAMBACH and Christie RAMPONE lifted the trophy. The US claimed their third title, more than any other nation, after a final that set records for the most total goals and the most by one team.