"You learn more from the bad times"
The US Women, haunted by the memory of their defeat to Japan in the 2011 Women's World Cup final, waited four long years for the change to take revenge.
They are now world champions for the thrid time, in no small measure thanks to their captain Carli Lloyd, named Best Player at Canada 2015.
You started the final as if you had it all mapped out in your head. Did you ever imagine scoring a hat-trick like that?
Carli Lloyd:(laughs) Oh yes, I pictured it a few times, but I have to say I never thought ir would work out so well. I'm so happy with the way things have ended. It's what the team and everyone who's been involved in this win deserves. We're so proud. It's unreal and it still hans't sunk in. it's hard to believe that everything cloud have gone so well.
Was it just one of those rare days where everything you touched turned to gold?
It's a bit like that, something that maybe just happens once in your career, when everything you try comes off and nearly every shot goes in the back of the net. Performances like that - and not just mine - come down to a lot of hard work and hours and hours of training and preparation for the big occasion. We always visualise games and what we want to do on the pitch, and you learn to be focused for the whole tournamente. We were on a mission today. I wanted to win the World Cup, and with the support of the team I just did what had to be done to make that happen.
You coach Jill Ellis said she had to pinch herself after the first quarter of an hour because she couldn't believe what was happening. Were you surprised at how well you were playing?
It's pretty amazing and we didn't believe we could do something like that. We've shown in every match that we were ready and we're very proud of our victories, but we made history in getting off to a start like that against the world champions, and we took the trophy home.
Japan are an integral part of your career now.
You missed a penalty against them in the shootout ar the Germany 2011 final. You then scored twice against them in the final of the Women's Olympic Football Tournamente London 2012. And now you've scored this hat-trick.
That's right, though that penalty miss is a long time ago now. That's the way it is. That's waht happens. I never really dwelt on it and I just turned the page and looked to keep moving forward in my career. We've spent every day trying to get better, and that's what's brought us here.
After a performance like that, is it true to say that this is the greatest team US women's football has ever produced?
I'm convinced it is. What we've done is just legendary. We Started so well, especially up front, but we stayed focused and solid. We stuck to our gameplan and we scored five goals in the final. It wasn't an easy road but we finished first and unbeaten in the so-called group of death. We weren't the best, and we came into the tournament second in the world ranking. We knew that nothing was going to be easy. What we've done is remarkable. It's a historic performance.
After all you exploits and awards in this tournament, you're now front-page news around the world. Are you ready for the spotlight?
I think my career has gone up a level, that's for sure. There's always room for improvement though, and I know I have to keep on working hard.
You were just one goal or one assist away from winning the adidas Golden Boot.
I know what I've left to achieve. I'll be going for it at the next World Cup.
Does a day like today make up for all the disappointments you've had and the sacrifices you've made?
No, I don't really see it like that. I think the bad times are important too. That's what makes you stronger and better able to aim high. Obviously, it's great to have the good times but I also think you learn more during the bad.
Exclusive,
Carli Lloyd was talking to Julien Sebbah