Carli Lloyd Gives Abby Wambach Captain’s Armband In Women’s World Cup Final

Carli Lloyd scored the fastest hat trick in FIFA Women’s World Cup history during the United States’ 5-2 victory over Japan on Sunday, but one of her most memorable moments had nothing to do with her amazing goal-scoring skills.

The World Cup hero was taken out of the game in the 78th minute to give women’s soccer legend Abby Wambach an opportunity to compete in her final World Cup contest. Lloyd, however, was more than grateful to give up her position on the field, and made sure Wambach wore the captain’s armband once she checked in.

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The crowd had been chanting Wambach’s name prior to her substitution, and went wild when the team’s all-time leading goal scorer finally took the field for the last time.

“I would give up all my individual awards for what we just did (Sunday night),” Wambach told ABC News. “It’s the truth. It’s the wholehearted truth.”

The 5-2 victory Sunday marks the first time the United States has won the Women’s World Cup since 1999. Wambach was the first to receive the championship trophy, alongside captain Christie Rampone.

Lloyd, Team USA embody sports’ high ideals >>

Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@espn