By Ron Davis:
The United States Women's National Team completed the defense of their World Cup title Sunday morning as they defeated the Netherlands 2-0 in the final in Lyon. Team USA becomes just the second team to repeat as champions (after Germany in 2003 and 2007) as they lift the trophy for a record-setting 4th time. After entering the tournament as heavy favorites, the US women dominated the tournament without ever trailing in any game on their way to setting a Womens World Cup record with a combined 26 goals scored and staggering +23 goal differential.
The first half was a relatively cagey affair as the Dutch were able to stay compact and organized while getting a few timely saves from goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal. The break of the game for the US came in the 16 minutes after halftime when upon video review the US were (correctly) awarded a penalty from a high kick to striker Alex Morgan. The tournament's eventual Golden Boot and Golden Ball winner Megan Rapinoe stepped up and scored the first goal of the game from the spot.
NERVES OF STEEL ------Megan Rapinoe scores from the penalty spot to give the USA a 1-0 lead in the #FIFAWWC final!pic.twitter.com/qCFKGHKLvr
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports)
July 7, 2019 The US was able to add a second just 8 minutes later as 24 year old emerging star Rose Lavell cut right through the heart of the Dutch defense to become the second youngest American to ever score in a Women's World Cup Final:
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 The USA will go for a record setting 3rd consecutive World Cup title in the 2023 edition of the tournament, with the host nation expected to be announced next March.
