Wembley Stadium was the stage for the climax of the 2012 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament – and a mammoth crowd of 80,203 saw USA strike gold for the fourth time with a win over Japan.

The attendance was the biggest ever at the competition, eclipsing the 76,489 fans who watched the Americans beat China PR at Sanford Stadium in the Atalanta 1996 final.

The great Carli Lloyd was the difference-maker in the showpiece match at Wembley, scoring both USA’s goals in a 2-1 victory over Japan, who were the reigning FIFA Women’s World Cup™ champions.

While Nadeshiko legend Saki Kumagai was on the wrong end of the result, she told FIFA that performing in front of such a magnificent atmosphere was an unforgettable experience.

“I’d never played in front of so many people, and it’s still the largest crowd at any game in my career,” she said. “The stadium was shaking, and the noise was so loud that at times I couldn’t even hear what my team-mates were saying. I was so happy when I walked out to the pitch and saw the stands packed with fans. It was amazing.”