As it happened: USWNT secure first Women's World Cup title since 1999

By foxsports
Published

It took 16 years, a lot of sweat and multiple disappointing exits, but the wait is finally over. The United States women's national team won their third Women's World Cup title after defeating old nemesis Japan 5-2 on Sunday, becoming the first country in women's history to do so, and now can firmly say that it is the best team in the world. Check below to see how social media reacted to USA's historic night:

Locker Room Look-In: PURE. JOY. #ThreeStars

Posted by U.S. Soccer on Sunday, July 5, 2015

FT: The Americans are World Cup champions for the unprecendented third time!!! It's time to celebrate! 5-2 is your final score. Awards time! Carli Lloyd wins the Silver Boot after tying Celia Sasic for goals and assists and becomes just the second American to win the Golden Ball. Hope Solo wins the Golden Glove. 

86' : Rampone comes on for Alex Morgan to massive applause and reaches the mielstone for oldest player to play at a Women's World Cup at 40. Interesting choice for Ellis to bring her on, although it is most likely ceremonial. 

85' : USWNT killing the game off right now and it seems like the Americans can just about touch the trophy now. Japan still desperate but time is not on its side.

80' : Wambach is on for her last World Cup appearence. Let's see if she can bag a goal to tie Marta's record.

75' : Wambach is preparing to come on and she'd do well to scare some fear into the Japanese players. Japan threads together a nice possession and a great service into the box results in a header that's hit right at Solo. Japan is not ready to give up its dream yet.

70' : U.S. looking calm, it'd be a mistake for the team to shut all the way off as Japan continue to keep possession and try to test Solo. This will be an interesting ending.

65' : Japan still pressuring but the USWNT seem to be crusing to the end here. Very little danger for Hope Solo as Kelley O'Hara comes on for Rapinoe.

54' : Goal! Tobin Heath provides an immediate response after the Japanese goalkeeper misses her punch and Morgan Brian sends it back in. 5-2 in favor of the U.S.

51' : Unfortunate own-goal by Johnston. 4-2 now and Japan look energized at the beginning of this half. USWNT needs to calm down before it loses more momentum. 

HT: Here are the highlights from the first half.

30' : Japan's really starting to press now and look good when it gets the ball. Could easily be 4-2, but it'd still be 4-2. 

27' : Japan brings one back thanks to Ogimi. 4-1 lead for the USWNT.

16' : That's what we call a dagger. 4-0 after an incredible golazo from near the halfway line. My goodness Carli Lloyd. She should now for sure win the Golden Ball, this is incredible stuff.

13' : Wish we could hear what Alexi is saying right now. Imagining him bouncing up and down screaming "set pieces, set pieces, set pieces!" And another golazo for Lauren Holiday! 3-0 to the USWNT and the Americans are in cruise control.

6' : Lloyd in Space! It's now 2-0 to the USWNT as Lloyd scores on another set piece. Julie Johnston flicked on the low ball and Lloyd is in the right place at the right time to turn it home. Incredible start!

3' : Captain LLoyd with the goal! 1-0 to the USWNT within the first few minutes off a perfect corner. Lloyd took it first time and nutmegged a defender with the shot. Great start for the Americans.

1' : The final has begun! If you listen really hard you can hear the "I Believe" chants across America.

Here are your lineups for Sunday's final:

Here's a look at how some celebrities and world figures are feeling before the game:

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