U.S. Win 4th Women's World Cup Title
LYON, France (Dispatches) — Megan Rapinoe stood on the field, arms outstretched, striking her now trademark victory pose symbolizing the confidence of a U.S. team that celebrated and savored each triumph at the Women's World Cup after beating the Netherlands 2-0 Sunday night.
Rapinoe won the Golden Ball as top player and the Golden Boot as top scorer, and the United States backed up their brashness by winning while simultaneously making a strong statement for gender equity.
"We've done exactly what we set out to do, done exactly what we wanted to do, said what we feel," Rapinoe said. "All of us, really. I know sometimes my voice is louder, but everybody is in this together. We're such a proud and strong and defiant group of women."
The U.S. won their record fourth Women's World Cup title and second in a row, when Rapinoe converted a tiebreaking penalty kick in the second half and Rose Lavelle added a goal.
Rapinoe scored in the 61st minute after a video review determined Stefanie van der Gragt had fouled Alex Morgan with a kick to the shoulder while competing for a deflected pass in the penalty area.
Two days past her 34th birthday, Rapinoe slotted the ball past Sari van Veenendaal for her sixth goal of the tournament. She became the oldest player to score in a Women's World Cup final.
Rapinoe won the Golden Ball as top player and the Golden Boot as top scorer, and the United States backed up their brashness by winning while simultaneously making a strong statement for gender equity.
"We've done exactly what we set out to do, done exactly what we wanted to do, said what we feel," Rapinoe said. "All of us, really. I know sometimes my voice is louder, but everybody is in this together. We're such a proud and strong and defiant group of women."
The U.S. won their record fourth Women's World Cup title and second in a row, when Rapinoe converted a tiebreaking penalty kick in the second half and Rose Lavelle added a goal.
Rapinoe scored in the 61st minute after a video review determined Stefanie van der Gragt had fouled Alex Morgan with a kick to the shoulder while competing for a deflected pass in the penalty area.
Two days past her 34th birthday, Rapinoe slotted the ball past Sari van Veenendaal for her sixth goal of the tournament. She became the oldest player to score in a Women's World Cup final.