The United States of America has won the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The U.S. beat Netherlands 2-0 to retain the title they won in the last edition in 2015. The goals came from Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle in the second half, under ten minutes apart.
The 2019 title now extends the U.S. title record to four, two more than Germany.
The U.S. booked their spot in the final after beating England 2-1 in the semi final stage. Netherlands on the other hand emerged 1-0 winners over Sweden.
The final game came on the back of controversy pitting President Donald Trump and the team’s co-captain Megan Rapinoe.
Ahead of the final, President Trump wrote on Twitter that he would be “inviting the TEAM, win or lose” while adding “Megan should never disrespect our country, the White House, or our flag”.
In response, Megan said she wasn’t sure the team would accept the invitation.
“I don’t know. I haven’t spoken to everyone about it,” Rapinoe said. “Not myself, not Ali Krieger and I suspect not many, if any, of the other players, but I haven’t spoken to everyone about it.”
The 2019 tournament was the eighth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and it came at a tim of increased calls for the improvement of the women’s game.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino earlier this month proposed an expansion of the Women’s World Cup from the current 24 teams to 32, possibly starting with the 2023 edition. He also suggested that the tournament’s prize money be doubled.
The next FIFA Women’s World Cup will be played in 2023.
Ten countries have expressed interest in hosting the competition, including Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa and the Republic of Korea.
