Too good.
The rest of the world might be catching up fast, but the United States remain the dominant force in women’s football.
An inspired performance from the Netherlands kept the Americans scoreless until midway through the second half – the longest period during which the United States have failed to score at this World Cup.
But when Stefanie van der Gragt propelled her leg high towards a ball flying into the Dutch penalty area, bringing down Alex Morgan in the process, Dutch fans watched on nervously.
After intervention from the VAR, French referee Stephanie Frappart determined that van der Gragt had fouled her American opponent.
Megan Rapinoe converted the ensuing penalty, securing the tournament golden boot in the process.
Lavelle then put the game out of sight eight minutes later, calmly finishing after a sizzling run through the heart of the Dutch defence.
The two goals gave the United States a historic win, as the Americans became only the second team to defend their Women’s World Cup crown.
It also adds a fourth World Cup trophy to their collection, meaning the team has won half of the eight editions held to date.
Here’s what we learned in Lyon.
1. Rapinoe is unstoppable
She looked leggy at times, perhaps showing the signs of the minor injury that kept Rapinoe out of the semi-final.
But cometh the moment, cometh the woman.
When the United States were awarded a penalty, there was no question who would step up. Nor was there any doubt that the USWNT icon would dispatch it with ease.
“Megan was built for this – built for these moments,” her coach Jill Ellis reflected afterward.
“The bigger the spotlight, the brighter she shines.”
The penalty gave Rapinoe the golden boot, and after the match she was awarded the golden ball for player of the tournament, the first time in her glittering career she has secured the individual honour.
At 34, does the heroine of the 2019 Women’s World Cup have another edition in her? Fans can only hope – on and off the pitch, 2023 would be better with Rapinoe.
2. VAR intervenes – again
Perhaps it was to be expected that a technology that has caused controversy time and again this tournament would rear its ahead in the final.
The VAR-induced penalty swung the momentum decisively towards the United States, and it was no surprise when Lavelle doubled their advantage not long after.
Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman refused to be drawn on the controversial decision.
“I am not focusing on the penalty,” Wiegman said post-match. “It’s not about if I agree with it or not. If I don’t agree with it, it’s not up to me to take the decision.”
Her midfielder Danielle van de Donk was less evasive.
“It was a bit harsh,” van de Donk admitted. “But it’s been like this all tournament so I’m not really surprised.
While the World Cup is now over, it is unlikely the debate over VAR will cease anytime soon.
3. Van Veenendaal stars for the Dutch
She might not have been able to prevent Rapinoe’s penalty or Lavelle’s strike, but no one can fault Sari van Veenendaal for a spectacular evening in Lyon.
The goalkeeper made save after save to deny the Americans in the first-half, including several lunges certain to make the tournament highlight reel.
Van Veenendaal’s big performance, and similar heroics in the semi-final against Sweden, were enough to earn her the golden glove for goalkeeper of the tournament.
The Dutch captain is currently club-less after being released by Arsenal at the end of the domestic season.
On the evidence of Monday (AEST), she is unlikely to stay that way for long.
4. The Dutch aren’t going anywhere
The Netherlands took the game to the United States, defending ferociously and repeatedly jabbing the Americans on the counter-attack.
“I’d like to take a moment to congratulate the Netherlands,” victorious coach Ellis said in the press conference. “They’re a world class team – they gave us a heck of a game tonight.”
It was a remarkable performance for a team that made their major tournament debut just a decade ago, and only appeared in their first-ever World Cup in 2015.
“We showed the world what we’ve got,” a defiant van de Donk said.
The reigning European champions now turn their attention to the Olympics, and then to defending their continental crown in 2021.
“There’s a lot of potential in the team – we still have an average age under 26,” Wiegman declared.
The team’s rapid rise should trouble traditional women’s football powerhouses – there is no sign it is about to let up.
“There’s always a lot of work to be done,” Wiegman added. “We will never ever quit.”
5. The best-ever Women’s World Cup – what now?
The 2019 tournament has been hailed as the best yet, on and off the pitch.
“I think the level all around the world is growing exponentially every year,” Ellis said.
Monday’s final certainly delivered, providing a landmark spectacle for the women’s game.
But when FIFA President Gianni Infantino was booed during the trophy presentation, followed by chants of “equal pay”, it was a reminder that there is a long way to go before women’s football is on par with its male counterpart.
“Everyone is ready for this conversation to move to the next step,” Rapinoe urged in her post-match interview.
“What’s next? How do we support women’s federations and women’s programs around the world?
“We put on – all players at the tournament – the most incredible show that you could ever ask for,” she continued. “We couldn’t do anything to impress more, to be better ambassadors.”
Rapinoe threw her support behind the boo-ers, in their push for pay equality.
“A little public shame never hurt anyone – so I’m down with this,” she laughed.
Throughout the 2019 World Cup, it has been often suggested that the tournament could be a tipping point for women’s football.
Will it? Only time can tell.
Kieran Pender has covered the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup for The World Game. Follow him on Twitter:
