The United States is winning back-to-back world championships for the first moment in history. They had to conquer adversity to get there as always with global competitions. The Stars and Stripes were held goalless by half-time for the first time in France 2019. But in the second part, the distinction in Lyon was a modified punishment by adidas Golden Ball and Boot winner Megan Rapinoe and a beautiful breakthrough star hit by Rose Lavelle. With four Women’s World Cup awards, the USA is extending their record as France gets to a close in 2019.

Megan Rapinoe is the eldest goal scorer in a34-yearand 2-month-old Women’s World Cup Final. Her team-mate Carli Lloyd was 32 years and 354 days old record holder in the classification.

Image Source: FIFA

“We leaned on our experience this entire tournament. We had some incredibly tough games, a lot of media attention and pressure, so I think for us older players to carry that load and set the right example for the younger players is a huge reason as to why we were able to be so successful. There is no team that is more battle-tested in knockout stages, and that is what this team is all about.

Everyone is ready for the conversation of equality to move to the next step. Let’s get to the next point of how we support women’s programs around the world. Every player at this World Cup put on the most incredible show you could ever ask for. It’s time to move the conversation forward.”

– Megan Rapinoe, adidas Golden Ball and Boot winner

It was a very courageous struggle from the Oranjeleeuwinnen, but the United States was just too nice today. Making it to the finals is an incredible achievement from the Netherlands in just their second ever World Cup, but right now, the primary emotion will be regret about losing out on the award of the World Cup. Hopefully, both teams and employees will be able to look back on this World Cup run in due moment and realize what an incredible achievement this tournament was for the Orange Lionesses.

Image Source: FIFA

“We would have loved to win this final, but we didn’t. Our opponent was better today. So we’re second in the world, and I’m very proud of that and for the team and staff. We can improve. We go to the Olympics for the first time in history. There’s high potential in this team. Our average age is under 26, so a lot of players will continue developing. The near future looks good, but the far future, we need to improve our facilities for further development.

I do think that we can encourage women. I always say that I need to perform well, than I can coach the national team. I also think in earlier times, women were not accepted in football, and now they’re more accepted, but a little behind. When you’re behind, you need to work harder to get it equal. We need to encourage more women to get involved in football.”

– Sarina Wiegman, Netherlands head coach

The US is winning a fourth-star record. The gritty Americans come out on top after a fight between the US and the Netherlands, winning the fourth Women’s World Cup in the history of USWNT. Since day one, this team has been concentrated and motivated with this victory in mind, and they’ve achieved it.

An incredible attendance record has been set at 57,900 in Lyon to watch this part of the history of the Women’s World Cup. What a show for the end.

Image Source: FIFA

“The level overall is the women’s game is growing exponentially. This was incredibly difficult. The teams we had to come through were some of the best in the world. In terms of the path and the level, this was pretty challenging.

I knew after 2016 we had to deconstruct and reconstruct the team. That was hard. But to get to this point and see the validation in all our work, it speaks for itself. People out there know about 1/10th of what we do. Congratulations to the Netherlands. They’re a world class team and they gave us a heck of a game tonight.”

– Jill Ellis, USA head coach

This concludes the FNX Network coverage of the 2019 Women’s World Cup Tournament. Time to get on board and back Australia’s bid for the 2023 Cup!