The USWNT won the FIFA Women’s World Cup on Sunday, defeating the Netherlands 2-0
There have been so many critics, about so many things.
Jill Ellis is a terrible coach. Alyssa Naeher is a horrible goalie. Megan Rapinoe is un-American. The U.S. Women’s National Team is an arrogant group of classless players, based on the ways in which they celebrate their goals.
Today, the USWNT answered critics by defeating the Netherlands 2-0 in Lyon, France to become the first team to win four Women’s World Cup titles, as well as the first team to reach three consecutive World Cup finals, and the first U.S. team to win back-to-back World Cup titles.
After scoring in the first 12 minutes in this World Cup’s previous matches, it took the U.S. 61 minutes to get on the scoreboard, with Rapinoe converting from the penalty spot, after Alex Morgan was high-kicked in the box by Dutch defender Stefanie van der Gragt. Although referee Stephanie Frappart did not initially call the penalty, after VAR the penalty was awarded and Rapinoe scored her sixth goal of the tournament, which also won her the Golden Boot trophy.
Rose Lavelle scored in the 69th minute, after a brilliant run up the middle of the field, while Morgan drew defenders with her run on the left. Lavelle kept the ball, cut, and finished with her left foot for the 2-0 lead.
US midfielder Rose Lavelle scored in the 69th minute to give the US a 2-0 lead against the Netherlands in Sunday’s Women’sWorldCupfinalinLyon,France.
The US had plenty of chances to score, taking 17 shots, with nine on target. But, Netherlands goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal was stellar in goal and it looked like nothing would get by her. US midfielder Julie Ertz had a hard shot stopped by van Veenendaal in the eighth minute and Morgan also had shots denied.
The Dutch pressed the US, but were really unable to threaten offensively, with only one shot on-frame.
US defender Kelly O’Hara went down in the first half after hitting heads with Lieke Martens. O’Hara did not return in the second half and Ali Kreiger subbed-in for her. US defender Becky Sauerbrunn also suffered a head-injury in the second half, but was able to return to the pitch with her head bandaged.
Despite heavy criticism regarding her coaching style over the past few years, Ellis is unbeaten in World Cup matches and she is the first coach to win the World Cup twice.
In the post-match press conference, Ellis was asked if she felt vindicated given all the criticism that she has faced and she said she didn’t care about what the critics had to say.
“To get to this point and see the validation in that, and the trust you have in the players who kinda came through that, I think it speaks for itself,” Ellis said. “I don’t need to talk about critics, I don’t really care.”
