USA win the Women’s World Cup after victory over Netherlands
Relive the USA’s historic victory over the Netherlands in Lyon
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The USA have won the 2019 Women's World Cup after a battling victory over the Netherlands in Lyon.
Second half goals from Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle were enough to see the 2015 winners through to a win which sees them successfully defend the crown won in Canada four years ago.
The 2-0 win sees them lift the World Cup for a second time in a row and a fourth time in their history.
Please allow a moment for the live blog to load.
The USA ready themselves quickly, into formation for the kick-off as the Dutch take their time, huddle, handshake, hug and generally get themselves ready.
Here we go...
1 minute
The USA claim early possession, in their 4-3-3, as expected.
The Dutch appear to have thrown a curveball - Lineth Beerensteyn has started centrally, alongside Vivianne Miedema, with Lieke Martens withheld slightly on the left and Danielle van de Donk pushed further right by the looks of things.
2 minutes
Indeed, it seems Miedema is perhaps just playing off Beerensteyn, the Dutch perhaps looking to create indecision in the heart of the US defence and spring Beerensteyn in behind.
4 minutes
The Netherlands come forward for the first time as the US lose the ball in their own half but Becky Sauerbrunn is across firmly to stop their progress down the right, and a supporting Sam Mewis draws the foul as she wins the ball back by her corner flag.
5 minutes
A good header from Kelley O'Hara, managing to throw her head at a ball curling awkwardly away from her and end another Dutch attack.
Bright start from the Netherlands.
7 minutes
But there's the danger of this ultra-athletic USA side, getting in down the right through Tobin Heath, who finds the penalty area curiously vacant as she chops a ball across.
Megan Rapinoe harries and hustles Desiree van Lunteren and wins the ball in a dangerous area, but can't find a teammate with her cross, either.
8 minutes
The Dutch do look vulnerable on the right. Rapinoe drops deep and plays the ball diagonally towards Heath, who is beyond Dominique Bloodworth but unable to retrieve a ball two yards overhit.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments