The USWNT Wins The World Cup, Rapinoe Best Player and Top Scorer

The USWNT retained the World Cup title by defeating the Netherlands in the finals with 2-0. It is the fourth time for the US team to be on top of the world.

Jill Ellis’ girls were a better side, and their triumph came after Megan Rapinoe’s and Rose Lavelle’s goals.

“This is an amazing group of players – they showed fantastic resilience,” stated the US coach. “They put their hearts and souls into this journey, I cannot thank them enough. I could barely speak immediately after the game, but I told them they had made history and to enjoy it.”

The Americans showed that they have the best team in the entire tournament, as they finished it with a perfect record – seven games, seven wins with a goal difference of 26-3.

One by one, they defeated Thailand, Chile, Sweden, Spain, the hosts France, England, and the Netherlands who are the European champions.

The US team deserved to win this match as they dominated right from the start, and didn’t allow for the rival to feel comfortable on the pitch. They pressured Oranje all over the place, and had several chances before the end of the first halftime. However, they couldn’t score.

Ellis’ team needed a penalty to break the lock of the Netherlands defense. Stefanie van der Gragt’s tackle on Alex Morgan was ok at first for the referee Stephanie Frappart. But after using the VAR system, she changed her decision and pointed towards the penalty spot.

As always, Megan Rapinoe took the responsibility, and calmly executed, giving the edge to her crew.

For the US captain, this was a historic match, as she became only the second player ever to start three finals of the World Cup. Previously Brigit Prinz did the same while playing for Germany. Rapinoe is also the best player and the top scorer of the tournament, ultimately marking this championship on and off the field. She stood up to President Trump earlier, and got in the center of attention, saying that she isn’t going to the White House if USWNT wins the title.

The fans in Kansas City went WILD when Megan Rapinoe scored the opener. #USAvNED

(via @SportingKC) pic.twitter.com/BXGRZerEWA

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 7, 2019

She also became the oldest player to score in the finals, with 34 years and two days. That was her sixth goal here in France, same as Ellen White and Alex Morgan, but Rapinoe spent fewer minutes on the pitch, and got the trophy.

“It’s surreal. I don’t know how to feel like now. It’s ridiculous,” Rapinoe said after the game, obviously euphoric. “We’re crazy and that’s what makes us so special. We just have no quit in us. We’re so tight, and we’ll do anything to win.”

After this situation, the USA had more space to attack because the Netherlands had to open and start attacking. However, that only made them even more vulnerable.

"It's unbelievable. It's surreal. I don't know how to feel right now."@mPinoe, BELIEVE IT. 🙌🇺🇸🏆 pic.twitter.com/CCJ1QR20S3

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 7, 2019

Rose Lavelle doubled the lead, with a fabulous strike from the edge of the box eleven minutes later. She took the ball in the midfield and ran with it for some 35 yards before sending a rocket.

Until the end of the match, they had several more chances to increase the win but failed to use them.

Team USA set a new record, scoring 26 goals in a single tournament, breaking Germany’s achievement of 25 hits in 2003. Also, this team recorded 12 straight victories at World Cups, when looking at two previous campaigns. Meanwhile, Jill Ellis became the first coach to win two WC titles.

The next Women’s World Cup is in four years, and on March 20th 2020, the FIFA will have a ballot for the host of that tournament.