Morgan Rapinoe scored on a penalty kick early in the second half on Sunday, as the United States Women’s National Team won their fourth World Cup with a 2-0 win over the Netherlands at Parc Olympique Lyonnais in Lyon, France. The Americans captured their second straight World Cup Title.
USA dominated play in most of the first half, but the Dutch was able to keep it scoreless at halftime. Netherlands goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal, who won the award for best goalie in the tournament, made a huge save on Julie Ertz in that first half to keep it scoreless. Ertz picked the right corner on a shot from just outside the box, but van Veenendaal stretched fully to her left to keep it out. Alex Morgan for the USA hit the post moments later.
The Americans finally broke through at the 61st minute of the second half, as one of their star players Rapinoe was fouled inside the box. The penalty wasn’t originally called, but the referee went to video review and concluded Stephanie van der Gragt made a high boot making contact with the USA player. Rapinoe calmly stepped up and chose the right corner of the net, as van Veenendaal barely moved. Rapinoes goal was her sixth of the tournament and was her 50th goal all time in International play. The 34 year old also becomes the second player ever to play in three World Cup Finals matches. Eight minutes later with the Dutch pushing up and taking more chances, Rose Lavelle took advantage of the open spaces by sending a low rocket of a shot left footed from the top of the box to put the game away at the 69th minute.
Rapinoe won both the Golden Ball and the Golden Boot awards for top player and top scorer in the World Cup. The Americans set a tourney record scoring 26 goals, and became the first back to back World Cup winners since Germany did so in 2003 and 2007. They did not trail once in 630 minutes of play. The USA has now won 12 straight World Cup matches, dating back to 2015 with their last loss coming in the 2011 World Final. Coach Jill Ellis is the first coach to win back to back titles. The Dutch will continue to be a force in the sport, and are still seeking their first ever title.
