In a stunning victory, the US women’s soccer team beat Japan for their third World Cup title.
“With a blaze that cut through the final shadow-filled hours of the Fourth of July weekend, it was American sports at its toughest, America’s team at its best, the women’s World Cup trophy welcomed back to the first nation that won it.”
Our girls, as they are affectionately called by fans, scored four goals before Japan knew what was going on.
“In the 16th minute, in one of the most impressive goals in women’s World Cup history, [Carli] Lloyd blasted a 50-yard shot past a stumbling, stunned Japanese goalie Ayumi Kaihori to essentially end the game almost before it started.”
“I’m so happy for every little girl who dreams about this,” said USA Coach Jill Ellis in a televised postgame interview.
“The American women won not as individuals but in their signature team way, their dominant strength equaled by their endearing sentiment. After scoring her second goal, instead of running to the stands to be showered in applause, Lloyd ran directly to the American bench to hug the reserves. Later, after team leader Abby Wambach entered her final World Cup game, Lloyd made the unusual gesture of removing her blue captain’s armband and giving it to Wambach. In the final minutes, in another similar tribute, Ellis inserted into the game the only current player who was also on the 1999 team, Christie Rampone.”
One moment of the victory that dominated social media was a moment between Wambach and her wife, Sarah Huffman. Wambach ran to the sidelines to kiss Huffman, and it was all caught on camera.
“The two have been married since 2013, but that bond was not legally recognized in all 50 states until the Supreme Court ruling that legalized gay marriage on June 26. It was an especially powerful moment for Wambach, 35, who holds the record for international goals but who many speculate will retire after a long, successful career.”
We are so happy for the team and wish all the players, especially those who will not play in a World Cup again, the best of luck!
