Rapinoe makes America great again
It was perhaps inevitable that the decisive moment in the eighth Women’s World Cup Final would be determined by the Video Assistant Referee.
VAR had been a presence throughout the tournament, influencing matches, inflaming social media, overshadowing every goal celebration. So the process was all-too familiar to the 57,000 crowd in Lyon, and the millions watching on television, when, shortly after referee Stephanie Frappart had signalled a corner, her hand went to her ear, she indicated play be paused, then she jogged off to the touchline TV screen.
Seconds later, to Dutch despair and American jubilation, she signalled for a penalty. Megan Rapinoe, the tournament’s most significant player, despatched the 61st-minute kick and the United States were on their way to a fourth star on their shirt
It should be noted the USA would probably have found another way through the Holland defence eventually. Well-organised though Sarina Wiegman’s team were, they were already indebted to keeper Sari Van Veenendaal. Physical, technically neat and tactically well set-up, the Dutch had resisted the US far longer than anyone else but rarely looked like scoring themselves. They had also played 30 minutes extra-time in their semifinal and had a day’s less recovery time.
No one could argue the USA were not worthy winners. European teams are closing the gap, but there is still a significant bridge to cross
Not only were the US already better and fitter, in draining humidity and 30-degree heat they were less exhausted. It was
