The United States Women’s National Team has won their fourth World Cup with a victory over the Netherlands in Lyon, France. They’re also one of two teams to win back-to-back World Cups, the other being Germany in 2003 and 2007.
In the game’s first half, the United States threatened a number of times on setpieces — including 5 corner kicks — while the Dutch attack focused largely on deep runs made by Vivianne Miedema. American goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher ventured far from the goal a number of times to neutralize the Dutch offense. Both team’s defenses effectively matched the opposing offense.
A sign of the relatively even balance in the half: this was the only game this World Cup where the US did not score in the first 12 minutes.
A yellow card was issued to American centerback Abby Dahlkemper in the 42nd minute, prompting a dangerous free kick from the Dutch side, followed quickly by a corner kick.
After the half, the US made their first substitution, with Ali Krieger replacing Kelley O’Hara, who was injured in a collision at the end of the first half. In the 54th minute, Becky Sauerbrunn picked up a nasty head injury, but re-entered the game soon afterwards.
The second half proved decisive for the United States. A reckless kick by Dutch defender Stefanie van der Gragt prompted the officials to consult VAR in the 59th minute. This led to a penalty kick for the US, which was taken by Megan Rapinoe, who drove the ball into the center of the goal for her 6th goal in 5 games — and her 50th international goal altogether.
NERVES OF STEEL 💪🇺🇸
Megan Rapinoe scores her 50th international goal from the penalty spot and gives USA the lead in the #FIFAWWC final! pic.twitter.com/gjPpYOrcyl
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 7, 2019
GOAL #USWNT and it’s Megan Rapinoe concerting the penalty kick to make it 1-0 USA. Easy penalty call, silly challenge, and Rapinoe with the ice-cold conversion. She’s a killer.
— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) July 7, 2019
In the 70th minute, Rose Lavelle charged upfield, shot between a pair of Dutch defenders and made it 2-0.
ROSE. LAVELLE. 🌹🇺🇸
A beautiful solo effort doubles the @USWNT's lead in the #FIFAWWC final! pic.twitter.com/ToznvQiuxb
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 7, 2019
Immediately afterwards, Rapinoe and Tobin Heath linked up for a dangerous-looking counterattack that was only stopped by a heroic performance by Dutch keeper Sari van Veenendaal.
Christen Press entered the game for Rapinoe in the 79th minute, while Carli Lloyd entered for Tobin Heath in the 87th. Throughout the second half, the Americans looked dangerous; only a solid performance by the Dutch defense and keeper prevented the score from being more lopsided.
Rapinoe and Alex Morgan each scored 6 goals in the tournament. It’s a fine cap to an excellent performance throughout by the USWNT.
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