The USA have won the 2019 Women's World Cup in France, beating the Netherlands 2-0 in Lyon. It's their fourth time to win the competition and it makes them only the second ever nation to win back-to-back titles.
There had been some speculation and doubts about the side before the competition with a number of pundits questioning their preparations, but the US have ultimately silenced their critics with another World Cup title.
In their opening game of the tournament, the defending champions laid down a marker with a 13-0 defeat of Thailand. This class, ruthlessness and brilliant skill remained with them throughout the next month.
Captain Megan Rapinoe's sense of cool embodied the chill that this team had. They didn't look in danger of being beaten at any stage. In four weeks and seven games they never went behind.
It was fitting that a calm and collected Rapinoe took the penalty this afternoon that sent the USA into the lead in the 60th minute. She portrayed her leadership once again, bringing her goal tally in the competition to six, earning her the golden boot.
The second goal though, that put the tie beyond any doubt, came via a smashing strike from 24-year-old Rose Lavell. The young player rose to the occasion and ensured her name will be in tomorrow's headlines.
Speaking after the game captain Rapinoe praised her team-mate saying;
"For her to get that reward tonight on the biggest stage you possibly can, she's a superstar, not even in the making she's a straight-up superstar at this stage."
⭐️⭐️ HISTORY ⭐️⭐️@USWNT | #OneNationOneTeam pic.twitter.com/FZTBjRDcAc
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 7, 2019
This side's confidence in themselves and their ability was sometimes criticised and branded as arrogant. You can't really blame them - looking at their performances and sheer desire to win they look an unstoppable force.
Rapinoe also said at full-time that they were an incredibly "tight" bunch who "would do anything to win."
Rose Lavell then made a big statement when asked about going for three-in-a-row saying "we're not done."
It seems they may very well be unstoppable for now and are worthy champions.
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