By Tommy Kane

Published: July 7th, 2019

The United States Women’s National Team defeated the Netherlands in the 2019 World Cup Final on Jul. 7, 2019, in Lyon, France. The Americans hoisted their fourth World Cup (1991, 1999, 2015, 2019) and second-straight World Cup (won in 2015). This was the first time the Americans have ever gone back-to-back.

Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle both started the game for the U.S., despite coming off hamstring injuries suffered previously. Other than that, not too many surprises in the American lineup.

The Dutch put up a fight but ultimately could not beat out American dominance and power.

Surprisingly Scoreless First Half

The first half of the match had no goals in it but was instead a very gritty and rough half for both sides.

Passes were a bit sloppy for the Americans starting out, as well as goalie, Alyssa Naeher, had to make a huge run out of the box to kick away the ball, but the Americans were getting the better chances no doubt.

Becky Sauerbrunn and Kelley O’Hara both experienced head injuries in the first half of the match as well. Both players were down for a bit but continued on. Both injuries were endured while trying to play the ball with the head and being knocked by a Dutch player, unintentionally of course.

In the last ten minutes of the first half, both teams had their time to shine on the ball. First, the Stars and Stripes looked to attack, but couldn’t execute. Following right before the whistle, the Dutch tried last-ditch-effort plays and got close to scoring a goal. Both teams knew they needed to come out of the first half with the hot foot.

USA Takedown

O’Hara, who collided earlier with a Dutch player, was immediately taken out of the game at the start of the second half. Supposedly, she failed concussion tests at halftime. Ali Kreiger took the opportunity and came into the match.

Sauerbrunn, who also had a head collision in the first half, suffered another one, this time with a cut on her forehead which led to blood dripping down her face. She was bandaged up and returned with no sign of a concussion. This was critical for the U.S. since Sauerbrunn is a mainstay on the backline.

In the 61st minute, Alex Morgan (shown above on top) was kicked up high inside the box, warranting a penalty kick for the Americans. Rapinoe (shown above #15) took the penalty and successfully scored it while stunning Dutch keeper, Sari Van Veenendaal. With her goal, the U.S. went up finally, 1-0.

Eight minutes later, Lavelle (shown below on top), who was not having her best game and turned over the ball a few times in the first half, stepped up to the plate. Lavelle darted her way up the pitch and fired the strike past Veenendaal. The play was orchestrated beautifully by Lavelle and the goal gave the Americans that important insurance, despite more than enough time left for the Dutch. Also, that goal gave the 2019 United States team the record for most goals scored in a World Cup (which was previously 25 goals held by the U.S. and Germany).

Chances after chances for Morgan and Tobin Heath following the second goal, but nothing would go in. Some hesitation on the shots could be attributed to the problem, but nonetheless, the Americans got the job done defensively to secure the 2-0 victory for the Cup.

Christen Press and Carli Lloyd both came on towards the end of the match. Lloyd capped off her fourth and final World Cup on the field when the whistle blew.

The U.S. had a tremendous nine shots on target, while the Netherlands only had one shot. In terms of possession, the Americans had the ball 53% of the time.

Rapinoe, who scored a total of six goals in the World Cup, earned the Golden Boot for most goals scored in the tournament. She also won the Golden Ball, which is the most valuable player award.

In the end, the Americans won the cup. It was a special moment for many watching and especially special for the players and their families. This historic moment was well-celebrated by all.

Dominance

The United States of America turned around what happened at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil. Losing to Sweden in the Quarterfinals on penalty kicks was not a part of the plan, especially coming off the 2015 World Cup victory in Canada. They kept their heads high and went back to business in 2019.

From this World Cup-winning team, we see a great roster all around. Naeher exceeded expectations in net, along with the backline, allowing only three goals all tournament. The midfield did well creating passes and even scoring a few goals of their own. Lavelle is definitely a player to look out for in the future. Finally, the three up front, along with Press, had career tournaments. Morgan and Rapinoe scored a plethora of goals, and Heath was a great facilitator as usual.

This team defeated the hosts, France, as well as a tough England side. They had an iffy game against a rising Spain, but no one will remember that now. Every team has its hiccups when getting to the top. Lastly, they shutout and only allowed one shot on net to the reigning European Champions in the Netherlands. Saying this U.S. team faced adversary is an understatement.

I will leave you with this. From what we saw in the 2019 World Cup, the talent, the grittiness, the fight, this American team is the best team of all-time in the Women’s game. Everyone is just getting better, and this team thrived and showed the world they were just getting better as well. Between 2016 and this World Cup, we had doubts about this team’s performance. Doubts about the defense and doubts about Naeher in net, filling in Hope Solo’s huge shoes. This confident American team crushed all the doubts and ran to the finish line, hoisting the glorious World Cup. I am proud to be a supporter and I am proud to be an American!

The United States Men’s National Team will play Mexico in the 2019 Gold Cup Final on Jul. 7, 2019, at 9 PM. Let’s get the double American Championship!

GO USA!

Match Stats Against the Netherlands

Video Highlights Against the Netherlands