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Bigger, faster, stronger: Japan overpowered by U.S. in Women's World Cup final

USA 5, Japan 2 (Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images)
USA 5, Japan 2 (Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images)

VANCOUVER – Japan's dream of repeating as World Cup champions will remain that: a dream. The title holders knew the United States were the more powerful and dynamic side coming into the Women's World Cup final. It sure didn't take long for the the Americans to flex their muscle Sunday and show their physical dominance. Three minutes in, Carli Lloyd put the U.S. on the board and then two minutes later it was Lloyd finding the back of the net for a second time.

Lauren Holiday made it 3-0 in the 14th minute and then Lloyd added insult to injury, catching Japanese goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori off her line and blasting a shot from the halfway line for her hat-trick goal in the 16th minute.

Just like that Japan was staring at an insurmountable 4-0 deficit with more than 75 minutes to play. The first three goals from the U.S. were all scored deep inside the 18-yard box. The first two came on set pieces where the physical gulf between the two teams was obvious.

Over and over again the U.S. drove right into the heart of Japan's defence without receiving much resistance. If there was any push back, it was hard to see, because the Americans were so tough to take off the ball.

Yuki Ogimi scored for Japan in the 27th minute and a U.S. own goal in the 52nd brought the Nadeshiko within two goals of tying the game. Just when there may have been that glimmer of hope that a comeback was possible, Tobin Heath responded two minutes later as the U.S. would go on to win 5-2.

"My players have given their all in every match, and overall they’ve had a great tournament here in Canada," said Japan's head coach Norio Sasaki. "Today, though, the Americans were simply too strong. In the first few minutes, it seemed as if every shot ended up in the back of the net."

It was as expected. The Americans were bigger, faster, and stronger than their opponents.

After Sunday's outcome you can add another word to the list: better.

The Japanese team would be the first to tell you that.

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Israel Fehr is a writer for Yahoo Canada Sports. Email him at israelfehr@yahoo.ca or follow him on Twitter.