USA won a record-extending fourth Women’s World Cup crown as a Megan Rapinoe penalty and Rose Lavelle’s smart finish secured a hard-fought triumph over the Netherlands on Sunday.
After a goalless first half, the United States piled the pressure on in the second period and were awarded a spot-kick via VAR after Alex Morgan was fouled in the box.
Rapinoe, who missed out on the semi-final victory over England, duly stepped up and fired home beyond Dutch stopper Sari van Veenendaal, who was in inspired form in this final, to open the scoring.
Van Veenendaal was beaten for a second time when Lavelle carried the ball forward and then fired home a long- range stunner that doubled the USA’s lead to give them some breathing space.
They duly held on, even missing several golden opportunities to find a third goal, to add to their 1991, 1999 and 2015 World Cup titles in comfortable fashion.