The United States Women lifted the FIFA Women World Cup for the fourth time after defeating European champions Netherlands 2-0 on Sunday, July 7.
In a fascinating first half that had everything but goals, the USA created chances aplenty with the Dutch goalkeeper Sari Van Veenendaal making nothing less than four excellent saves to keep the scores level at halftime.
As the Ladies in the Stars and Stripes dominated possession and poured forward, spaces opened up for the Oranje Ladies to explore but not as effectively as to yield a goal.
Jill Ellis’ ladies came out smoking in the second half and within 25 minutes of the restart had grabbed a brace.
The opening goal finally arrived via a spot kick.
Alex Morgan raced into the Dutch box and was caught with a high boot from Van der Gragt. The referee needed help from the VAR before pointing to the penalty spot.
France 2019’s most exciting star Megan Rapinoe thereafter stepped up to smash home from 12 yards, with Van Veenendaal rooted to the spot.
For the second goal, Rose Lavelle dribbled through the midfield before sending home a precise left-footed shot.
It was game, set and match.
The Netherlands would enjoy a few chances of their own as they battled to find a way back into the game but nothing would deny this USWNT a second consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup title.
Rapinoe, the tournament’s most outspoken and brightest star, was named the MVP as well as the golden boot winner for her six goals scored ahead of teammate Morgan who had the same number of goals but with more minutes played.
Van Veenendaal was handed the golden glove as the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
