TITLE-DEFINING MOMENTS

Frozen by stage fright and overwhelmed by a fired-up United States, Japan were never in the contest once they fell behind, eventually losing 2-5 to concede the title they had won on penalties against the same opposition four years ago.

EARLY ONSLAUGHT

A combination of two low balls into the box from set pieces and slack Japanese marking allowed Carli Lloyd to put the United States 2-0 up inside the first five minutes.

A poor clearance header from Azusa Iwashimizu gave Lauren Holiday the chance to volley home the third before keeper Ayumi Kaihori’s poor positioning contributed to Lloyd’s third, a wonder goal from the halfline.

Japan, who beat England in the semifinals, were left stunned and in uncharted territory, having never conceded first in any of their previous six matches at a tournament in which they had let in just three goals.

BRIEF FIGHTBACK, BUT TO NO AVAIL

Japan worked into the contest, at least in terms of possession, and Yuki Ogimi turned Julie Johnston to create space for a neat finish past Hope Solo in the 27th minute.

Early pressure in the second half reduced the deficit further when Johnston scored an own goal. However, the Americans made amends by scoring immediately at the other end, their fifth goal.