Women's World Cup: USA make history with record 4th title as they beat Netherlands 2-0

United States won its record fourth Women's World Cup title and second in a row, beating Nerlands 2-0 Sunday night when Megan Rapie converted a penalty kick in second half and Rose Lavelle ded a goal. 

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Rapie, pink-haired U.S. captain who grabbed world-wide attention on and off field, scored in 61st minute after a video review determined Stefanie van der Gragt h fouled Alex Morgan with a kick to shoulder in penalty area. 

Two days past her 34th birthday, Rapie slotted ball past goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal for her sixth goal of tournament to win Golden Boot as scoring leer. oldest player to score in a Women's World Cup final, she struck a familiar victorious pose with arms outstretched. 

"It's surreal. I don't kw how to feel w. It's ridiculous," Rapie said. "We're crazy and that's what makes us so special. We just have quit in us. We're so tight, and we'll do anything to win." 

Lavelle, at 24, team's up-and-coming star, ded her third goal of tournament on an 18-foot left-footed shot in 69th after a solo run-up center of field. 

"She's superstar, t even in making, she's straight up superstar at this point," Rapie said. 

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

Rapie drew ire of U.S. President Donald Trump during tournament by saying she and teammates would refuse to visit White House, part of team's wider push for equity. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio needed just a few seconds after final whistle to invite team to a ticker-tape pare up Canyon on Heroes in Manhattan on Wednesday. 

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

"It's just chemistry. y put ir hearts and soul into this journey," Ellis said. "y me history." 

FIFA president Gianni Infanti handed over trophy, a stark contrast to four years ago in Cana, when n-president Sepp Blatter was a -show as U.S. prosecutors investigated corruption in soccer's governing body. 

With confidence and brashness that some called even arrogant — triggering a backlash that angry response was sexist — this American team established a standard of excellence that exceeded American champions of 1991, 1999 and 2015, becoming a goal for or U.S. teams and rest of world to match. Former American players joined current generation on field for postgame celebration. 

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

U.S. h scored within first 12 minutes of its previous six matches in  tournament, but European champions sat back to keep ir defensive shape and kept score 0-0 through first half. 

Video review, opted by FIFA for men's World Cup last year, showed its impact when Stephanie Frappart, first woman to referee a men's Ligue 1 match, went to screen at side of field and n signaled toward spot. 

Rapie, who missed Tuesday's semifinal win over England with a hamstring injury, became first woman to score on a penalty kick during a Women's World Cup final, her 50th goal in 158 international appearances. She matched teammate Alex Morgan and England's Ellen White for most goals in tournament and won Golden Ball based on fewer minutes. 

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Rapie was given a standing ovation by crowd when she subbed out in 79th minute. crowd of 57,900 at Ste de Lyon for Le Grand Finale included French President Emmanuel Macron. 

Americans opened tournament with a record 13-0 rout of lowly Thailand, triggering debate over wher celebrations after each goal were excessive. Morgan responded next match by following a goal with a polite golf clap. n she stirred it up again when she scored against England with a tea sip, pinkie outstretched.