Superwomen
LYON (France), July 7
The United States won a record-extending fourth women’s World Cup with a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands today as second-half goals from Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle confirmed their status as the leading power in the women’s game.
The defending champions struggled to gain dominance for an hour before a Rapinoe penalty, her sixth goal of the tournament, broke the deadlock and a fine individual effort from Lavelle in the 69th minute put the outcome beyond doubt.
The Dutch, who are the European champions, ran out of steam after Rapinoe opened the scoring in the 61st minute, having done more than any team to frustrate the Americans.
A perfect occasion for Rapinoe, whose outspoken views have been prominent especially on the pay disparity between men and women players, was capped when FIFA chief Gianni Infantino was greeted with chants of “equal pay, equal pay” by American fans.
At 34, Rapinoe is unlikely to be back on this stage in four years’ time, but it is hard to imagine her walking away from the battles she has led with the US Soccer Federation and world governing body FIFA over fairer terms for the women’s game.
However, amidst the firework celebrations after the final whistle, Rapinoe’s thoughts were on her team’s triumph — their second in a row after the 2015 victory in Canada.
“It’s like history. I don’t know how to feel right now. It is ridiculous,” said Rapinoe.
“We’re crazy, that’s what makes us special. We just have no quit in us. We are so tight. We will do anything to win.”
The purple-haired winger was back in the starting lineup after sitting out the 2-1 semifinal win over England with a slight muscle strain.
Rapinoe’s place in the side came at the expense of Christen Press while Netherlands left-winger Lieke Martens was fit to play after overcoming a toe injury. The Dutch made an aggressive start, with some strong challenges, and midfielder Sherida Spitse picked up a booking in the 10th minute for a lunging challenge on Lavelle.
The US, who had scored in the opening 12 minutes of every previous game at this tournament, were struggling to settle as their opponents harried and closed them down quickly.
The Netherlands looked to hit the Americans on the counter-attack and that approach almost bore fruit in the 26th minute when Vivianne Miedema released Lineth Beerensteyn through the middle but US keeper Alyssa Naeher was alert.
However, as the half wore on, the US gradually gained the upper hand.
Encouraged by their first half resilience, the Dutch stuck with the same tenacious approach after the break but their aggression proved to be their downfall.
Stefanie van der Gragt’s foot caught Morgan’s upper arm after a high challenge in the box and the American fell to the ground. After initially awarding a corner, the French referee turned to the video review and then gave a penalty. Rapinoe took the responsibility and coolly slotted the ball home. — Reuters
