Image Credit: Mirror
By Lee Clow 07 July 2019 | FIFA Women's World Cup
Megan Rapinoe inspired the USA to victory in the 2019 Women’s World Cup after beating the Netherlands 2-0 in the final.
The USA made history as they became the second team ever to retain the Women’s World Cup. Megan Rapinoe gave the USA the lead after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Alex Morgan. Rose Lavelle scored the second goal for the USA ending any hope for the Dutch opposition to get back into the game.
After overcoming a tough test in the semi finals against England, The USA were clear favourites to go on and replicate what they accomplished four years ago in Canada. The stats were also on the USA’s side, having won the past 8 meetings against their opposition, the Netherlands.
The USA who had scored in the opening 12 minutes of each of their World Cup games this summer had to work hard to break the deadlock as a disciplined Dutch defensive were not giving in. It was not until the half an hour mark when the USA finally got a shot on target. Another reason for the USA’s blanks were due to Dutch keeper, Van Veenendaal. The keeper who shockingly is without a club put in an inspired performance in the first half and kept out everything the USA was throwing at them.
After the break, the USA returned to normal service and continued to dominate their Dutch opposition. As the clock past the hour mark, the USA finally found the breakthrough. A penalty was awarded with the help of VAR when it showed defender Van Der Gragt's high-footed challenge on Alex Morgan.
It was Megan Rapinoe who stepped up to take the penalty looking to score her 6th goal in the tournament which would take her into the level in the Golden Boot race, currently lead by teammate Alex Morgan and England’s Ellen White. Van Veenendaal, who kept out everything that came at her, could do nothing to stop the penalty as Rapinoe slotted well down the middle of the goal. The goal lifted the mood of the USA fans and breathed energy into the team.
One became two eight minutes later when midfielder, Rose Lavelle, burst forward and fired a fine second beyond Van Veenendaal to give the USA a comfortable lead. The strike ended all hopes for the Netherlands, and it appeared the game was lost for them there and then.
The USA cruised to victory eventually crowning them World Cup champions for a record fourth time, four years on from their third triumph in Canada in 2015. The USA also become the first side since Germany in 2009 to triumph at back-to-back tournaments. English-born boss Jill Ellis, become the first coach to lift the trophy twice.
During the trophy celebrations Megan Rapinoe was awarded the Golden Boot as she played less minutes than Morgan and White, who also scored 6 goals in the tournament. The 34-year-old was then awarded the Golden Ball as she was crowned the tournament's best player ahead of England right-back Lucy Bronze and USA team-mate Rose Lavelle. The awards for Rapinoe were very deserved and were a compliment to a fantastic tournament she played in helping the USA win back to back World Cup titles.
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