Carli Lloyd led the U.S. national side to the Women’s World Cup with a fantastic performance that included a stunning 16-minute hat-trick.
Lloyd sealed her hat-trick with a stunning 50-yard shot that sailed into the net over the Japanese goalkeeper, Ayumi Kaihori. You can watch a Vine of her astonishing strike below.
Lloyd had earlier scored two goals in the third and fifth minute to give the U.S. women’s national side the perfect start.
Lauren Holiday then added a third goal in just the 14th minute, which was then followed two minutes later by Lloyd’s tremendous effort. Yuki Ogimi managed to get on the board to offer a glimmer of hope for Japan, which was then exacerbated by Julie Johnston’s own goal in the 52nd minute.
But these efforts proved to be a false dawn for Japan because in the second half, Tobin Heath scored a fifth goal for the U.S. women’s national side in the 54th minute to confirm their victory.
However all the talk after the contest was of Carli Lloyd’s explosive performance. Lloyd became the first woman to score a hat trick in the World Cup final, while it was also the quickest treble in both the women and men’s World Cup final history.
In fact, social media was soon awash with praise for Carli Lloyd because of her exploits, with one user even going as far as to alter her job position on Wikipedia.
For those of you who haven’t seen @CarliLloyd ‘s new position on Wikipedia. #USA #USAvJPN pic.twitter.com/amaxvK8FrO
— Lily Herman (@lkherman) July 6, 2015
President Barack Obama even made sure to shower the U.S. women’s national side with praise immediately after their victory.
What a win for Team USA! Great game @CarliLloyd ! Your country is so proud of all of you. Come visit the White House with the World Cup soon.
— President Obama (@POTUS) July 6, 2015
The current President Of The United States was then followed in this show of appreciation by the woman who hopes to replace him, as Hillary Clinton also took to her own Twitter account to praise the team.
Think @CarliLloyd and the team have this covered. #SheBelieves https://t.co/kl3GmJwn15
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) July 6, 2015
Here’s to fearless women chasing their goals. Congratulations, Team #USA ! —H
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) July 6, 2015
After the match, Carli Lloyd was presented with the Golden Ball for the 2015 tournament, which is presented to the World Cup’s top player.
This is the third World Cup that the U.S. women’s national side has won, after they claimed the 1991 World Cup in China and the 1999’s women World Cup, which was held in the United States.
[Image via HNGN]
