Three takeaways
Here’s how the U.S. Women’s national team won its second straight World Cup, capped by a dominant 2-0 win over the Netherlands: 1. STARS OF THE GAME,
ENTIRE TOURNAMENT Megan Rapinoe was more than just a leader throughout the United States’ World Cup run. She was a motivating presence both on and off the field, coming up big when the team needed her most and handling the off-field spotlight with the same spunk and fire she plays with. Sunday was no exception, as Rapinoe scored her sixth goal of the tournament on a penalty shot in the 61st minute. Rapinoe, who was recognized as the tournament’s best player, capitalized on all three penalty shots she took, approaching each one with the same unfazed attitude and calm. And then there’s Rose Lavelle, who capped off her own tremendous World Cup performance by registering Sunday’s insurance tally. Her third goal of the tournament came after an extended possession down field that saw Lavelle juke a defender before ripping a shot into the back of the net. The midfielder was a consistent, driving force and played a huge part in the U.S. maintaining a majority of the possession in each contest.
2. GOALS, GOALS, GOALS
The Americans surpassed the record for the most goals (26) scored in a single Women’s World Cup. Half of those can be credited to the historic 13 they scored in their first-game rout of Thailand, but the consistent offensive display that followed should not be overlooked.
The team recorded two goals in each of its last five matches, with a 3-0 victory over Chile coming after the win against Thailand. With all the changes to their midfield and attacking line throughout the tournament due to injuries, the U.S. kept the offense going.
Netherland’s goalkeeper Sari van Veenedaal had a career performance in the finals, spoiling numerous U.S. opportunities with anticipation and lock-down instincts.
3. PHYSICALITY
Most would agree there was a plethora of missed calls in Sunday’s final, specifically in the penalty box. It wasn’t until Alex Morgan caught a high cleat to the shoulder Stefanie Van der Gragt (below), which — after video review — led to a penalty shot and Rapinoe broke a scoreless tie.
The physicality of Sunday’s game was an entertaining, added obstacle of the contest that made it more enjoyable to watch. This wasn’t the same physicality as against Spain, which saw the U.S. spend a majority of time on the grass rather than on the ball.