Lloyd hat trick leads US over Japan 5-2 for World Cup title - Monitor
A sellout crowd of 53,341 that included U. S. Vice President Joe Biden roared in approval for Lloyd's hat trick, the first ever in a Women's World Cup final. I've had a lot of people believe in me, in my corner, from day one," said the midfield, who turns 33 on July 16. "I've dedicated my whole life to this. Lloyd, awarded the Golden Ball as player of the tournament, scored twice in a span of about 135 seconds as the U. S. led 2-0 by the fifth minute. Lauren Holiday boosted the lead in the 14th, and two minutes later Lloyd made it 4-0 with an audacious 54-yard, right-footed shot from midfield that sailed over goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori. Japan closed on Yuki Ogimi's goal in the 27th and an own goal by Julie Johnston on an errant header in the 52nd. Tobin Heath scored two minutes later, the third goal off a restart for the Americans. While winning the last three Olympic gold medals, the U. S. had struggled in the World Cup since taking the title at the inaugural tournament in 1991 and then again at the Rose Bowl eight years later. Christie Rampone, the only holdover from the 1999 team, lifted the trophy with Wambach, the 35-year-old former FIFA Player of the Year who has said this will be her last World Cup. With FIFA President Sepp Blatter staying away from Canada during a U. S. criminal investigation of soccer corruption, the trophy was presented by FIFA Senior Vice President Issa Hayatou of Cameroon, the head of African soccer's governing body. Source: www.themonitor.com
