The U.S. women’s soccer team’s triumph in Sunday’s final captured the imagination of millions of Americans – including the country’s most powerful man.
President Barack Obama was one of the first to congratulate the team via social media on their record-breaking third World Cup win as they beat defending champion Japan 5-2.
He gave a special mention to hat-trick hero and the tournament’s joint top scorer Carli Lloyd who effectively sealed victory with three goals in the opening 16 minutes of the match in Vancouver.
“What a win for Team USA! Great game @CarliLloyd! Your country is so proud of you all. Come visit the White House with the World Cup soon.”
Obama wasn’t the only politician to jump on the USWNT bandwagon; fellow Democrat Hillary Clinton followed suit by congratulating the team but turned down one fan’s suggestion she should take to the field herself to aid her presidential campaign bid. “Think @CarliLloyd and the team have this covered.”, Clinton wrote.
Not to be outdone, Republican Presidential hopeful Jeb Bush also hailed the victory.
U.S. men’s team striker Jozi Altidore shared a photo of his teammates huddled around a cellphone watching the action from their team bus.
It wasn’t just fellow soccer stars who were tweeting about the final.
Basketball legend Kobe Bryant tweeted “Great Goal!!!” while 14-time major golf champion Tiger Woods was clearly enjoying what he was seeing: “Love watching history being made. There’s nothing like it. Go USA!”
Even the biggest pop and movie stars were getting in on the act with Beyonce sharing a photo on Instagram of her watching the game in her personalized soccer shirt.
While Samuel L. Jackson tweeted: “What’s the Over on the USA ASSWHIPPIN’?!!!
Even Barbie was moved to comment – the favorite figurine of many a child describing the U.S. team as “an inspiration.”
After creating history on the pitch, the USWNT proved that no matter who you are or what you do, the success of a team can unite a nation for 90 minutes.