
After weeks of uproar over its sportsmanship and elaborate goal celebrations, the United States women's soccer team has every reason to party after winning a fourth World Cup with a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands in Lyon, France on Sunday.

'We're crazy,' captain Megan Rapinoe told Fox after the U.S. won its second consecutive World Cup title. 'That's what makes us special.'

Following a scoreless first half, Rapinoe scored a penalty kick in the 61st minute and Rose LaValle added a goal of her own in the 69th minute.

'It's unbelievable,' Rapinoe continued. 'Just to know all of the people in our group that put in so much work, obviously the players – we have all our friends and family here – it's surreal.'

WORLD CUP WINNERS 5-time winners – Brazil (men) 4 – Germany (men), Italy (men), United States (women)* 2 – Argentina (men), Uruguay (men), France (men), Germany (women) 1 – England (men), Spain (men), Japan (women), Norway (women) * - The U.S. women won their fourth World Cup with a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands in Lyon, France Advertisement

Shortly after the team's win, New York City mayor Bill de Blasio took to Twitter to announce a parade in the team's honor on Wednesday.

De Blasio told the team, 'You have inspired the entire country - and New York City knows how to celebrate champions.'

The parade will go up a stretch of Broadway that's hosted many celebratory parades known as the 'Canyon of Heroes,' where everyone from New York Yankees legends to American astronauts have been honored.

President Donald Trump congratulated the team after the win: 'Congratulations to the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team on winning the World Cup! Great and exciting play. America is proud of you all!'

Fans, many dressed in red, white and blue, chanted 'Equal Pay!' at the final whistle, a reminder players sued the U.S. Soccer Federation in March claiming gender discrimination.

The Americans never trailed in the tournament and set records with 26 goals and a 12-game World Cup winning streak dating to 2015. U.S. coach Jill Ellis became the first coach to lead a team to two Women's World Cup titles, and the U.S. joined Germany in 2003 and 2007 as the only repeat champions.

With confidence and brashness that some called even arrogant - triggering a backlash that the angry response was sexist - this American team established a standard of excellence that will be a goal for other U.S. teams and the rest of the world to match. Former American players joined the current generation on the field for the postgame celebration.

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United States' Megan Rapinoe holds the trophy celebrating at the end of the Women's World Cup final

(Left) Megan Rapinoe thanks the fans after scoring the U.S. soccer team's 2-0 win over the Netherlands in the World Cup final on Sunday in Lyon. (Right) Rapinoe embraces longtime teammate Alex Morgan

Alex Morgan and Mallory Pugh pose after winning another World Cup - the fourth in U.S. history

Megan Rapinoe of the USA celebrates in the dressing room following her team's victory in the 2019 World Cup final

United States players celebrate their victory in the Women's World Cup final soccer match on Sunday in Lyon

President Donald Trump had already invited the U.S. women's team to the White House, 'win or lose,' but forward Alex Morgan said the decision would be made as a team. Rapinoe previously said she would not go. On Sunday he congratulated the team

United States' Alex Morgan and teammate Allie Long celebrate their victory in the Women's World Cup final

After weeks of uproar over its sportsmanship and elaborate goal celebrations, the United States women's soccer team has won its fourth World Cup with a 2-0 win over the Netherlands in Lyon, France. 'We're crazy,' captain Megan Rapinoe said after the U.S. won its second consecutive World Cup title. 'That's what makes us special'

FIFA president Gianni Infantino handed over the trophy, a stark contrast to four years ago in Canada, when then-president Sepp Blatter was a no-show as U.S. prosecutors investigated corruption in soccer's governing body. While the U.S. added fourth star to its jersey, Germany is the only nation that has even two.

Sunday's first goal came about when referee Stephanie Frappart awarded a penalty following a video review showed that defender Stefanie van der Gragt made a high challenge on American striker Alex Morgan.

The star of the tournament Megan Rapinoe celebrates with the World Cup Trophy, the Golden Boot and The Golden Ball

Rapinoe, who was returning from a hamstring injury, confidently struck the spot-kick down the middle and past a static Sari van Veenendaal, who seemed to anticipate Rapinoe would shoot to the side.

And just as she did in the quarterfinal win over France, Rapinoe struck a dramatic pose after the goal, raising one arm like a ballerina.

It was Rapinoe's sixth goal, tying her with Morgan and England's Ellen White at the top of the scoring charts.

Afterwards, Rapinoe won the Golden Boot.

'This is just an amazing group of players,' said coach Jill Ellis, 'but an even better group of people, just fantastic resilience, just chemistry.'

'This team is something special, and to do it back-to-back is pretty incredible,' Morgan agreed. 'We had a hard route to the final. I´m just proud of this team. We felt confident. We felt like it was going to take us a bit to gain momentum throughout the tournament. Jill (Ellis) did a great job in terms of managing the team, so credit to her and the team for playing our roles to a 'T'.'

After the game Rapinoe, who turned 34 on Friday, wished her brother Brian a 'Happy Birthday.' Rapinoe has talked openly about her brother's addiction problems. He currently resides at the San Diego's Male Community Reentry Program, which is a rehabilitative program that will allow Brian, 39, to stay out of prison while he finishes a sentence on drug offenses.

With the Dutch fans in the background, the United States women's soccer team celebrates its fourth World Cup title

U.S. soccer fans show off their Megan Rapinoe temporary tattoos on Sunday in Atlanta

Anouk Dekker of Netherlands reacts after losing to the United States in the World Cup final

United States players gather after winning the Women's World Cup final in Lyon, France on Sunday

The United States national women's soccer team has won its fourth World Cup with a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands

United States' forward Megan Rapinoe poses with the Golden Ball next to United States' midfielder Rose Lavelle with the Silver Ball after the France 2019 Womens World Cup football final match between USA and the Netherlands

United States women's soccer team captain Megan Rapioe celebrates her third World Cup title. She also has a gold medal

The United States women's soccer teams celebrates its fourth World Cup title with a win over the Netherlands

Tobin Heath springs out onto the field to celebrate with teammates after winning the 2019 Women's World Cup

Christen Press helped set up the Americans' fourth World Cup title by scoring in place of Megan Rapinoe against England

Sunday marked the first time in the tournament that the U.S. women entered halftime without the lead - and not because they didn't have their chances.

Dutch goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal was the unquestioned star of the first 45 minutes, making four difficult saves and shutting down several American scoring opportunities.

The heavily-favored Americans previously scored in the first 12 minutes of every other tournament game. Sunday also marked only the second time in the tournament that the U.S. entered halftime without the lead.

The U.S. nearly scored off a corner kick in the 27th minute as the ball bounced to midfielder Julie Ertz, whose rife shot was saved easily by Van Veenendaal.

The Americans would go on for another half dozen, or so, scoring chances, but failed to convert with Van Veenendaal and the Dutch defense stifling the U.S. attack in the first half.

For her goal, LaVelle collected the ball some 30 meters out, advanced to the penalty area and skipped past defender Stefanie van der Gragt before planting a low shot past goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal.

'I am so proud of her,' Rapinoe said. 'She's a superstar.'

She was mobbed as she dived into the arms of her teammates as she sprinted to the U.S. bench to celebrate.

Alyssa Naeher, the 31-year-old who succeeded Hope Solo in goal, faced repeated questions entering the tournament but allowed just three goals in the tournament and finished with her fourth shutout.

In only their second world cup, the Dutch women reached the final, where they lost 2-0 to the reigning champion Americans

In a repeat of an earlier celebration, United States captain Megan Rapinoe strikes a dramatic pose after scoring a penalty kick

Rose Lavelle of the USA celebrates after scoring her team's second goal of the final against the Netherlands

The now four-time champion Americans have been called brash and over-confident throughout this World Cup, starting with their 13-0 win over Thailand when they were criticized for celebrating every goal.

Veteran Carli Lloyd poked fun at the pearl-clutching during the team's 3-0 win over Chile by celebrating one of her two scores with a sarcastic golf clap.

But while that the Americans did score 10 fewer goals against the Chileans, the reality was the game was primarily played by backups, prompting defender Ali Krieger to boast that the U.S. has 'the best team and the second-best team in the world.'

The U.S. shutout of nemesis Sweden and the subsequent 2-1 knockout stage wins over Spain and France only supported Krieger's claim.

Megan Rapinoe celebrates another World Cup title

The issue of American arrogance came up before the semi-final against England as Lionesses coach Phil Neville discovered U.S. women's team staffers scoping his team's hotel.

A pair of U.S. staffers visited the Fourvière Hotel, which is close to the old town, while England was out at a practice.

The England-born U.S. coach Jill Ellis insisted it was a sign of good preparation rather than arrogance, because the Americans were considering using that hotel if the advanced to the final, which they did.

But Neville claimed it was bad etiquette to scout the hotel before winning the semi-final.

'It's important that our team has confidence,' Ellis said. 'I don't think in any way this is an arrogant team.'

Then, when the Americans did beat England in the semi-final, forward Alex Morgan was criticized for celebrating the go-ahead goal by pretending to drink a cup of tea - something many saw as being disrespectful to the English.

However, nobody generated more controversy than Rapinoe.

The U.S. captain has made headlines off the field during the World Cup, most notably, when a previously recorded interview with Eight by Eight magazine showed her declaring she would not 'go to the f***ing White House' if the Americans win the tournament.

She has also refused to sing the national anthem before games after previously kneeling in protest in 2016. The U.S. Soccer federation has since implemented a rule requiring players to stand, and Rapinoe has complied.

Rapinoe did not sing the national anthem before Sunday's game.

'Congratulations to the #USWNT on their 4th World Cup win!' Tweeted feminist icon and tennis legend Billie Jean King. 'These athletes have brought more attention, support and pride to women´s sport than perhaps any other team in history. It is long past time to pay them what they rightly deserve.'

United States soccer team captain Megan Rapinoe scores on a penalty kick in the second half of Sunday's final

The United States women's soccer team celebrates Rose LaVelle's goal, which gave the Americans a 2-0 lead

United States women's soccer team captain Megan Rapinoe celebrates after scoring a penalty in the 61st minute

Megan Rapinoe of the USA reacts during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Final match

Megan Rapinoe of the USA is challenged by Danielle Van De Donk of the Netherlands during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Final match between The United States of America and The Netherlands

American forward Alex Morgan is dropped to the turf by Dutch defender Dominique Bloodworth

Tobin Heath takes a shot for the United States during the second half of Sunday's final against the Netherlands

United States captain Megan Rapinoe questions the officials over a perceived missed call in the World Cup final

Samantha Mewis of the United States out-jumps Lieke Martens of Netherlandsfor a header during the first half

Abby Dahlkemper of the USA is challenged by Lineth Beerensteyn of the Netherlands

Sari van Veenendaal of Netherlands makes a save on a shot from Tobin Heath in the World Cup final

United States defensive midfielder Crystal Dunn, left, is challenged by Netherlands' Lineth Beerensteyn

(Right) Alex Morgan scored the go-ahead goal in the American's 2-1 semi-final win over England. (Left) Netherlands' Danielle Van De Donk vies for the ball with United States' Samantha Mewis

United States' goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher (C) shouts are her defenders during the France 2019 World Cup final

Megan Rapinoe (right) has also refused to sing the national anthem before games after previously kneeling in protest in 2016. The U.S. Soccer federation has since implemented a rule requiring players to stand, and Rapinoe has complied. She did not sing the national anthem before Sunday's game

Netherlands' Vivianne Miedema, right, talks to the referee as she shows a yellow card to teammate Sherida Spitse

French President Emmanuel Macron in the stands with Paris Saint-Germain player Kylian Mbappe before the match

Megan Rapinoe stretches before Sunday's World Cup final against the Netherlands. She missed the semi-final win over England with a hamstring strain, but is expected to be ready for action in Lyon on Sunday

Netherlands' Lineth Beerensteyn, left, is challenged by United States' Kelley O Hara during the Women's World Cup final soccer match between US and The Netherlands at the Stade de Lyon in Decines

Christen Press scored a goal in place of injured Megan Rapinoe in the semi-final win over England

General view of Netherlands fans with a banner in the stands before the match

United States fans cheer on the stands before the start of the Women's World Cup final soccer match between US and The Netherlands at the Stade de Lyon in Decines, outside Lyon, France

American soccer fans show their support for the U.S. team as it prepares to face the Netherlands in the World Cup final

Supporters of the United States wait for the start of the Women's World Cup final against the Netherlands in Lyon

U.S. captain Megan Rapinoe has made headlines off the field during the World Cup, most notably, when a previously recorded interview showed her declaring she would not 'go to the f***ing White House' if the Americans win the tournament. However, the self-described 'walking protest' to President Donald Trump has also made headlines on the field, where she scored five goals before sitting out the semi-final win over England with a hamstring injury. Rapinoe is expected to play against the Dutch

The issue of gender wage discrimination has hung over the 20109 World Cup as the three-time champion United States women are demanding to be paid equally with their male counterparts

Lady Liberty is a popular costume among United States national women's soccer team fans

United States soccer fans have swarmed Lyon, France in anticipation of Sunday's World Cup final against the Netherlands

U.S. SOCCER STAR MEGAN RAPINOE CALLS OUT FIFA By The Associated Press Megan Rapinoe called out FIFA on the eve of the Women's World Cup title match. Her criticism Saturday ranged from the gap in prize money between the men and women, to scheduling that put the World Cup final on the same day as the Gold Cup final in the United States and the Copa America final in Brazil. Rapinoe and the United States play the Netherlands on Sunday for the championship. A day earlier, FIFA President Gianni Infantino had announced that he'll seek to expand the tournament field from 24 to 32 teams and double the prize money for the women. But even doubling the pool from $30 million to $60 million doesn't diminish the gap with the men's World Cup prize money, which is set at $440 million for Qatar, up from $400 million in Russia last year. Rapinoe has maintained that FIFA doesn't truly care about the women's game. Megan Rapinoe of the U.S. during the warm up before Saturday's World Cup final in Lyon 'If you really care are you letting the gap grow? Are you scheduling three finals on the same day? No, you're not. Are you letting federations have their teams play two games in the four years between each tournament? No, you're not,' Rapinoe said. 'That's what I mean about the level of care, you need attention and detail and the best minds that we have in the women's game, helping it grow every single day.' Inequity between the men's and women's World Cup had been stark since before this year's tournament started, focused on the prize money and scheduling, but also on the promotion of the event. Asked what would ensure the growth of the game globally following this summer's tournament, Rapinoe sang the opening refrain from the O'Jays song 'For the Love of Money.' 'Money, Money, Money, Money. Money from FIFA, money from federations. Money from advertisers, sponsors, rights-holders, TV. All of that. And obviously not just blindly throwing cash at things, but investing in infrastructure, in training programs and academies for women, in coaching for women. All of it,' she said. 'I don't think you get to the point of having an incredible business by running it on a budget that's a dollar more than it was last year. You have to make up-front investments and really bet on the future.' Infantino sought to address concerns Friday, pointing to the successes of the tournament in France, including record television audiences. Rapinoe shared her displeasure with FIFA on Saturday 'Nothing is impossible and based on the success of this World Cup of course we have to believe bigger and to do what we should have done already probably some time ago,' Infantino said. 'But now we have the evidence to do it for women's football.' Approval to expand the field for the 2023 Women's World Cup would have to come quickly because bidding is already under way. The 37-member FIFA Council is due to vote for the host next March. Nine countries have expressed interest, with formal bids due Oct. 4. He'll also propose raising the women's prize money, team preparation funding and cash for clubs releasing players to $100 million, up from $50 million for France. However, men's teams in Qatar will see those funds go up to $649 million. FIFA's cash reserves at the end of 2018 stood at $2.74 billion. 'I understand it's a very complex problem,' Rapinoe said. 'But the resources are there and I think the willingness and the brain power is all there, the people wanting to work in the women's game and make it as good as we can, it's all there. It's just a matter of wanting to do it and caring enough about it, to make it happen. I mean, we're making a World Cup in Qatar happen.' Rapinoe did praise the U.S. Soccer federation for its support of the women's national team. The comments come despite a federal lawsuit the players filed against the federation, accusing it of discrimination and seeking more equitable pay to the men's team. The two sides are expected to mediate the dispute when the World Cup is over. 'We don't often give them kudos, but that's definitely one that I'm willing to give. They back the team in a very strong way and have pushed the game, not only in our country but around the world, to a level that without us, we wouldn't be here in the world game,' she said. 'So I think that they do deserve a tremendous amount of credit for that, and we'll continue to nudge them forward.' Advertisement

Fans arrive at the 2019 World Cup final in Lyon, where the United States women's soccer team will face the Netherlands

United States fans with banners for coach of the U.S. Jill Ellis outside the stadium before the match