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USA vs. Netherlands: Key Takeaways from Women's World Cup Final 2019
July 8, 2019
The United States retained the FIFA Women's World Cup on Sunday with a 2-0 win over the Netherlands.
Jill Ellis' team were never in trouble during the 2019 final, and the European champions failed to produce their best.
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Megan Rapinoe's penalty broke the deadlock after 61 minutes, and Rose Lavelle sealed victory eight minutes later.
Dutch goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal protected the scoreline by keeping her team in the match with a flurry of saves.
The Oranje Leeuwinnen had just one shot on target in the match, and striker Vivianne Miedema was once again subdued in the heat of battle.
Key Takeaways
USA entered the competition with many doubting their ability to retain their trophy, but the Americans have answered their critics.
The powerhouses of Europe are getting close to the U.S., but France, England and Germany exited the tournament in disappointment.
Progressing past the hosts 2-1 in the quarter-finals was a major achievement for Ellis' team, and beating England 2-1 in the last four proved their overall superiority.
Individual contributions have kept the U.S. ahead of their rivals. Rapinoe and Alex Morgan both scored six in the tournament and proved they are world-class superstars.
Rapinoe returned from injury after missing the victory against England. The captain's performance was composed, and she tucked away her penalty without any fuss.
The American defence was not tested on Sunday. However, there had been questions about their quality throughout the competition.
USA do not possess the defensive steel of previous years, but they have midfielders and forwards that keep them flowing up the pitch.
No team on the international stage has an attacking lineup which compares to Ellis'.
Rapinoe and Morgan provide perfect chemistry, but the rising talent of Lavelle ensures the Americans are in excellent shape for the future.
The world champions set a record at the tournament by scoring 26 goals, and it's firepower that gives them the edge on all other contenders.
Ellis has given the U.S. the tactics to thrive, but it's their attackers that have conquered women's football.
As long as the U.S. maintain their ability to outscore an opponent, there's every chance they will remain the No. 1 ranked team by FIFA for many years.
The Dutch produced a worthy performance at the tournament, and reaching a final will be deemed a success.
They will get the chance to defend their European title against the continent's big hitters in two years, with next hosts England craving silverware on home soil.
The Netherlands have some way to go before they can compete with the quality and depth of the U.S., but they have the squad to successfully perform at the UEFA Women's Euros.