US defeats Japan 5-2 for Women's World Cup title

Japan's team remains Asian champions and will not have to wait four years for a chance of avenging the loss with the Rio de Janeiro Olympics coming up next year.

But on Sunday, when your game is built on possession and suffocating the opposition, the last thing you want to do is concede an early goal — let alone four inside the first 16 minutes as Japan did.

Overwhelmed by a fired-up United States side, Japan were left stunned and in completely uncharted territory, having not trailed in any of their six previous matches at a tournament in which they had conceded just three goals.

"Miss Lloyd she always does this to us. In London she scored two goals and today she scored three goals. We are embarrassed," said Japan coach Norio Sasaki. "But she is an excellent player and I really respect her and admire her."

With FIFA President Sepp Blatter staying away during a U.S. criminal investigation of soccer officials, the trophy was presented by FIFA Senior Vice President Issa Hayatou of Cameroon, the head of African soccer's governing body.

Hope Solo won the Golden Glove as top goalkeeper of the tournament. She played despite critics who urged the U.S. Soccer Federation to drop her after she initially faced two misdemeanor counts of domestic violence from a June 2014 altercation at her half-sister's house, charges that were dismissed on procedural grounds.

The title, which adds a coveted third star to the American uniform, vindicated the U.S. Soccer Federation for its decision in April 2014 to fire coach Tom Sermanni, who had replaced Pia Sundhage the previous year, and replace him with Ellis, the British-born American who had been an assistant on the coaching staff.

Wire services