Sealed with a kiss: The telling image of American change

United States' Abby Wambach gets a kiss from her wife, Sarah Huffman, after winning the World Cup. Photo / AP

It's set to become the lasting image of the United States' women's World Cup final victory over Japan.

Not a player scoring one of America's five goals in their impressive 5-2 victory. Not even US captain Megan Rapinoe lifting the trophy as the side recorded their first title since 1999.

But a simple kiss between American great Abby Wambach and her wife in the stands.

American viewers are used to seeing male players embrace with a wife after winning a championship but two women kissing on national television is something new.

The image comes just a week after the US Supreme Court made a ruling to legalise gay marriage across the United States.

Wambach and Huffman were married in 2013 in Hawaii.

The image of Wambach and Huffman kissing has gone viral with an overwhelming reaction on Twitter.

"Wambach kisses wife on national television and camera doesn't cut away. It zooms in. We've come a long way, folks," Brigid Black tweeted.

Wambach subbed on in the 79th minute of the final - winning her first ever World Cup after picking up two Olympic gold medals in her career. She morphed from being a starter to a late sub off the bench during the tournament, a role that seemed to boost the American attack.

Chants of "We want Abby," started around the 65-minute mark. The roar grew when she was called over to the bench in the 75th minute.

Watching Abby Wambach kiss her wife after winning the World Cup on repeat. Look how far we've come. #LoveWins #USWNT https://t.co/UHtqpXKNnj

— Alex Goldschmidt (@alexandergold) July 6, 2015

Sweet photo, post #USWNT victory: @AbbyWambach kisses her wife, now respected nationwide http://t.co/We2DeD89kt pic.twitter.com/71OrRKE0Ug

— Freedom to Marry (@freedomtomarry) July 6, 2015

I hope younger people GET how huge it is that @AbbyWambach can kiss her wife in the stands on FOXTV and it's no big thing #Progress 🇺🇸⚽️👏👏

— Carolyn Hinsey (@CarolynHinsey) July 6, 2015

Wambach kisses wife on national television and camera doesn't cut away. It zooms in. We've come a long way, folks.

— Brigid Black (@brigidblack) July 6, 2015

Abby Wambach kissed her wife after winning the World Cup and the whole bar went, "awwwwwww". How far we have come!

— Anne-Marije Rook (@amrook) July 6, 2015