US Women win 4th World Cup

These women play hard.

Very hard.

A really exciting game.

US have their 4th World Cup win.

Awesome!

Megan Rapinoe, Player of the Match, and Rose Lavelle.

The U.S. Women's Soccer team is still the world's best after dominating the Netherlands in the Women's World Cup final and winning 2-0. 

Throughout the tournament, the U.S. brushed aside criticism, complaints of arrogance and calls for the team to tone down their goal celebrations. 

All the team did was win. 

All seven World Cup games in fact.

. . . .

The sell-out crowd at Stade de Lyon in Lyon, France, decked out in red, white and blue ... and orange, cheered and cheered and sweated it out with nervous fans watching around the world. 

Before the final, neither team had trailed or lost a game in this tournament. 

Both squads had each only permitted a total of three goals. 

The Dutch got better as the tournament progressed — keeping their opponents from scoring in each of the knockout games before the final.

. . . .

The breakthrough for the U.S. came in the 61st minute. 

As forward Alex Morgan streaked in front of the Dutch goal, defender Stephanie van der Gragt tagged Morgan's shoulder with her right boot. 

A penalty kick was awarded after video review. 

Megan Rapinoe cooly slapped the ball into the back of the net. 

It was her third converted penalty and sixth goal of the tournament

The U.S. scoring continued in the 69th minute thanks to midfielder Rose Lavelle. 

She dribbled down the field and with a beautiful left-footed strike at the top of the penalty area, zipped the ball low and to the right. 

2-0 

It was all the scoring the U.S. would need.

. . . .

The United States rolled through the opening round with statement wins over Thailand (13-0), Chile (3-0) and Sweden (2-0). 

Brushing aside criticism about perceived arrogance and excessive goal celebrations, the U.S. then powered through the heart of European soccer with victories over Spain (2-1), France (2-1) and England (2-1) to make it to the final against the reigning European champions.

It was the fifth time the United States Women's National Team played a World Cup final (there have only been eight tournaments). 

The U.S. is the first team to reach three consecutive finals and joins Germany as a repeat champion (2003 and 2007). 

With the win, the U.S. has a record four Women's World Cup trophies.