WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2019 REVIEW
The USA women won back to back world cup titles by beating The Netherlands 2-0 with goals from Megan Rapinoe from the spot and Rose Lavelle. It’s now the fourth time USA have won the World Cup and now move two ahead of Germany.
USA were made to work and certainly did not have an easy ride to their fourth title. They were pushed all the way by France in the quarter finals, England in the semi’s and also in the final by The Netherlands.
All in all, I thought it was a highly successful tournament and easily the best yet, with some real quality football on show. This tournament has no doubt raised the profile of women’s football once more globally, as it treated the fans to many memorable moments.
GAME OF THE TOURNAMENT
Group Stages
Scotland 3-3 Argentina
A victory for either team would have safely seen them through to the knockout stages. With Japan losing to England, a win would have seen either team finish second. Scotland seemed to secure that win as they raced into a 3-0 lead with just 20 minutes to go. But when Argentina pulled two goals back within 10 minutes the game was well and truly on. Then in the 94th minute, Argentina was awarded a penalty. However, Scotland keeper Lee Alexander saved it but was adjudged to have come off her line early. A retake was ordered to which Argentina converted for a late, dramatic draw which in the end, benefited no team and both went out at the group stages.
Knockout Stages
USA 2-1 England
The much anticipated heavyweight bout certainly didn’t disappoint and was matched by the quality and drama of the game. England fancied their chances and pushed the favourites of USA all the way. Although all the goals came in the first half, that’s not where all the drama ended. USA took the lead after just 10 minutes but England equalised 9 minutes later before the winning goal came after just 31 minutes. However, in the second half, England pushed forward and thought they got an equaliser but VAR ruled it offside by half a foot. England continued to pile on the pressure and got a penalty in the 84th minute but captain Houghton’s penalty was saved by Naeher sending USA to the final.
GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT
Group Stages
Ajara Nchout (Cameroon) v New Zealand
In the 95th minute with Cameroon going out in the group stages with New Zealand. A ball was headed onto Nchout 25 yards from goal. She used her pace to get to the ball before the defender and travelled to the edge of the box with defender in tow. She then cut inside the defender onto her right foot. Shaped to shoot, but checked back inside into the box. Set herself and cooly slotted the ball home into the far post.
Knockout Stages
Rose Lavelle (USA) v The Netherlands
Cyrstal Dunn’s strong tackle won the ball in midfield. The ball then picked up by Mewis, who turned and played a ball square to Lavelle, just inside Netherlands half. She marauded forward with pace, threw a step over before shifting the ball onto her left foot on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful, accurate effort that arrowed into the bottom corner to seal the World Cup for a fourth time.
MOMENT OF THE TOURNAMENT
Group Stages
Alex Morgan 5 goals v Thailand. USA 13-0 Thailand
Alex Morgan equalled a World Cup record held by fellow American Michelle Akers by scoring five goals against hapless Thailand. In doing so, she also helped USA to another record, the highest winning margin in a World Cup game, as they went into overdrive and scored 10 of their 13 goals in the second half of the game to make an early, ominous statement in the tournament.
Knockout Stages
Steph Houghton missed penalty v USA
In an epic and intense semi final battle that had almost everything. USA and England went toe to two. With England trialing, already feeling hard done by with VAR ruling out Ellen White’s equaliser with a wafer thin offside decision and time rapidly running out. England received a lifeline in the 84th minute as they were awarded a penalty. To many people’s surprise, captain Houghton stepped up to take it. She scuffed her penalty, allowing the USA keeper to save it, thus ending England’s hopes and sending them out of a major tournament semi final for a third time.
PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT
GOALKEEPER
Seri Van Veenendaal – Netherlands
Although they came into this tournament as European champions. I felt they were very luck to get to the final and had to ride their luck throughout. Part of the reason why or how they rode their luck was due to the form of their keeper. She performed heroics in the knockout games against Italy, Japan and Sweden, especially against Japan, they were second best for large parts of the game but she kept them in it. In the final, her performance made the game competitive and kept USA at bay for as long as possible with some superb saves. In the end she was only beaten by a penalty and a great late strike.
DEFENDER
Crystal Dunn – USA
It’s crazy to think that she players as a winger for her club. However, as a left back she looked as solid as can be. I cannot remember a time where she was beaten down her left flank. Strong in the tackle and her experience further forward allowed her to provide superb distribution going forward. Full of energy up and down the flank she really showed everything a modern full back has. Also won the ball with a strong tackle that started the move that ended with the second and decisive goal in the final.
MIDFIELDER
Rose Lavelle – USA
Superbly balanced footballer. Gifted and skilful, gained a reputation of bit of a nutmeg queen. Showed the ability to make that extra space or yard when needed, and burst into life at the drop of the hat to blast past players at will. Showed her control, speed, running with the ball and finishing ability with her goal in the final. But throughout the tournament, demonstrated vision and creativity to carve out goalscoring opportunities for team mates. Definitely has a very bright future.
FORWARD
Megan Rapinoe – USA
At the ripe old age of 34. She showed age is nothing but a number to perform head a shoulders ahead of everyone else. Finished top scorer with 6 goals, had 2 assists and was the player of the tournament. All that despite playing less minutes than her rivals. One of the most gifted female footballers of her or any time, throughout the tournament she demonstrated her two footed abilities, vision, intelligence and quality in front of goal.
TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT
GK – Sari Van Veenendaal (Netherlands)
RB – Lucy Bronze (England)
RCB – Wendie Renard (France)
LCB – Steph Houghton (England)
LB – Crystal Dunn (USA)
RMF – Amandine Henry (France)
CMF – Kosovare Asllani (Sweden)
LMF – Rose Lavelle (USA)
RFW – Alex Morgan (USA)
CF – Ellen White (England)
LFW – Megan Rapinoe (USA)
Van Veenendaal
Bronze Renard Houghton Dunn
Henry Asllani Lavelle
Morgan White Rapinoe
