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Obama calls women’s soccer team

by Jordan Fabian - 07/06/15 6:07 PM ET

President Obama on Monday called the U.S. women’s soccer team to congratulate them on winning the World Cup.

Obama praised the squad for “displaying the strength and spirit that makes our country great — in front of the largest soccer audience in American TV history.”

The U.S. defeated Japan in a stunning 5-2 victory on Sunday to claim the country’s third World Cup.

The final reportedly drew 25.4 million TV viewers in the U.S., breaking the previous record of 18.4 million who watched the U.S. men’s team play Portugal in last year’s World Cup. More Americans watched the title match than watched the NBA Finals and the Stanley Cup final.

Vice President Biden, Jill Biden and members of their family were on hand in Vancouver to watch the U.S. prevail.

Obama commended Carli Lloyd, who scored the first hat trick in Women’s World Cup Final history, saying it “set the tone for the team’s convincing victory.”

He also praised Coach Jill Ellis for “her leadership during this remarkable run.”

Obama invited the team to celebrate their World Cup title at the White House.

Tags Barack Obama