Carli Lloyd struck a hat-trick inside the first 15 minutes as USA Women clasped one hand on the World Cup trophy by cruising to a 4-1 half-time lead over Japan Women.

Only five minutes elapsed in Vancouver before the Americans moved two-up following a fast and furious start at BC Place.

First, Megan Rapinoe's corner was tapped home by Lloyd for a simple finish, before the 32-year-old capitalised on some questionable defence to slot home a second and stun the defending champions.

Norio Sasaki's side struggled to develop a foothold and before long it was three, as Lauren Holiday thrashed a firm volley past the helpless Ayumi Kaihori on 14 minutes to put the Stars and Stripes in dreamland.

However, it got even better for Jill Ellis's girls moments after the third, as Lloyd, from the halfway line, spotted Kaihori well off her line before lobbing her to complete her treble.

On 27 minutes, Japan threw themselves the slimmest of lifelines on the comeback trail when Yuki Ogimi beat Hope Solo from 10 yards to slightly reduce the scale of the task.

Written by
Shane Callaghan