In a month that’s seen the national discourse largely dictated by USWNT attacker Megan Rapinoe, it’s only fitting that the 34-year-old has finished her 2019 Women’s World Cup odyssey with the final’s game-winning goal, as well as the tournament’s two most prestigious individual awards: The Golden Boot (given to the leading scorer) and Golden Ball (given to the best player).
It was Alex Morgan who drew the foul in the area in the 60th minute, but Rapinoe stepped up to convert her third penalty of the tournament.
NERVES OF STEEL
Megan Rapinoe scores her 50th international goal from the penalty spot and gives USA the lead in the #FIFAWWC final! pic.twitter.com/gjPpYOrcyl— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 7, 2019
Overall, it was her sixth goal in France. Both Rapinoe and Morgan finished with six goals and three assists (the first tiebreaker in the race for the Golden Boot), but Rapinoe gets the award by virtue of minutes per goal. The winger, of course, missed the semifinal against England due to a hamstring injury.
adidas Golden Boot:
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 7, 2019
Rapinoe was then later announced as the recipient of the Golden Ball, an award decided by FIFA’s technical committee. England’s Lucy Bronze won the Silver Ball, and 24-year-old American midfielder Rose Lavelle was handed bronze.
adidas Golden Ball:
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 7, 2019
Here’s what Rapinoe said directly after the match:
"It's unbelievable. It's surreal. I don't know how to feel right now."@mPinoe, BELIEVE IT. pic.twitter.com/CCJ1QR20S3
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 7, 2019
The trophy was initially lifted by Carli Lloyd, but Rapinoe got her hands on it next.
THERE IT IS!
The @USWNT lifts the FIFA Women's World Cup for a record 4th time! pic.twitter.com/u4cDLMrfR6— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 7, 2019
What a month.
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