Rapinoe gets last laugh as U.S. takes World Cup
Megan Rapinoe made enemies and won over fans in the span of a month at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The United States captain, however, got the last laugh on her critics — including U.S. President Donald Trump — by lifting the World Cup trophy, while winning the Golden Boot as the leading scorer and the Golden Ball as the best player in the tournament.
She still won’t be going to the White House if the team is invited.
“I think it speaks volumes about her as a person,” said United States coach Jill Ellis. “Megan was built for these moments, built to be a spokesperson for others. I’ve sat in a couple of press conferences with her and she’s just incredibly eloquent. I think she speaks from her heart and I think we need people like that in the game to be honest, to call things for what they are.”
Rapinoe, 34, has led the charge in the fight for equality and took criticism for her goal celebration in a rout against Thailand. She was also in a battle of words with Trump, who singled her out in a tweet after saying she would turn down an invite to the White House if the United States won.
“In terms of her dealing with this, I never had any issue with that,” Ellis said. “For the past four-anda-half or five years, I’ve seen what she’s capable of and I think the bigger the spotlight, the more she shines. I know spotlights can sometimes burn people, but I think for Megan it highlights who she is.”
And as far as Ellis visiting the White House?
“I haven’t been invited so I can’t really say,” she said.
In the end, the Dutch legacy of losing in World Cup final lives on even if it is unfair to the members of the Netherlands women’s national team.
The Netherlands lost 2-0 to the United States in the final at the Stade de Lyon on Sunday, a score that probably flattered the Europeans.
After holding off the Americans for an hour, the Netherlands were victims of a video assistant referee decision that can be debated either way. Yet, even if the United States were not awarded the penalty the dam was likely to burst.
“I think we did some good things, but I think after the penalty they kept going,” said Netherlands forward Shanice Van De Sanden. “They kept coming on strong and that’s how they won the game.”
After Rapinoe scored from the penalty spot for the lead, the United States poured on the pressure in an effort to put the game away. Rose Lavelle did eight minutes later on an outstanding individual effort.
“It’s not up to me to judge the situation, the penalty was awarded and the referee takes that decision and the USA scored the goal,” said Netherlands coach Sarina Wiegman. “I have not reviewed this part of the match, but if I didn’t agree with the penalty it’s not important, but of course it was a turning point in the match.
“We were able to carry on, it was an intense match, but we were not able to attack. It was a setback to all of us, the penalty, it was disappointing.”
The Netherlands was competing in just its second Women’s World Cup tournament, having made its debut four years ago in Canada. Two years ago, the Dutch won the European championship as hosts, which put high expectations on them heading into the World Cup.
The Dutch won every game they played getting to the final, including a 2-1 victory against Canada in the group stage. Yet, they were still heavily criticized by the Dutch press for not playing well enough in those victories.
“It was a tough tournament, but tough things make you stronger,” Van Den Sanden said. “It’s about keeping your head up and going on to another tournament. I have to be proud of my team.”