Backheel Breakfast: The USWNT are Women's World Cup champions

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The United States have spent the better part of the last 16 years ranked No. 1 in the world, but with no World Cup titles to show for it, until Sunday night. The best version of the USWNT showed up and decimated Japan in the opening 16 minutes, going on to win 5-2.

Carli Lloyd was the star of the show, coming up with perhaps the greatest performance in a World Cup final ever, men's or women's. She's scored in two Olympic gold medal games, so big things were expected out of her, but no one expected a hat trick with a goal from halfway. As a result, she deservedly won the Golden Ball.

In the news

Javier Mascherano denied reports he had a spat with Ever Banega, saying he'd never criticize a player who "has the balls to take a penalty." (Ole)

Watford have paid a club record fee to sign Etienne Capoue. (Watford FC)

Juan Roman Riquelme says his one regret is not going to Manchester United. (Mirror)

Sepp Blatter is blaming the Germans for the Russia and Qatar World Cups. (BBC)

Cristiano Ronaldo left an interview after he was asked about his Real Madrid contract. (ESPN FC)

Hamburg signed Emir Spahic, who you might remember from headbutting a security guard. (Bundesliga)

Lionel Messi refused the best player in Copa America award, so no one will get it. (AS)

You should be reading

Ben Torvaney on what gets managers sacked. (Stats Bomb)

Saul Pope on the end of an era at Zenit St. Petersburg. (Futbolgrad)

Jonathan Fadugba on how Argentina keeps losing big finals. (Just Football)

Fun with transfer rumors

The section in which nothing should be taken seriously. It's rumor season, so this section will be expanded, and as the summer rolls on, it will probably be bigger than the actual news section.

Liverpool are probably going to pay Aston Villa's asking price for Christian Benteke. (Express)

Zakaria Bakkali looks set to move to Valencia. (AS)

Inter are battling an English club for Mario Suarez. It's probably the Spurs. (Football Italia)

Manchester United could rival Chelsea for Asmir Begovic. (Mirror)

Arsenal would like to sign Pedro from Barcelona. (Independent)

And they're also back in for Arturo Vidal, apparently. (Metro)

Southampton might sue Atleti over Toby Alderweireld, but the Spurs expect to sign him anyway. (Standard)

This weekend's games

After their World Cup win, we say thanks to Abby Wambach, Christie Rampone and Shannon Boxx.

Chile beat Argentina in the Copa America final. Still no international title for Lionel Messi.

You can catch highlights of all this weekend's MLS games right here. (MLS)