Rapinoe Makes America Great Again

VAR played a key role in the Final as USA triumph in breakthrough tournament

- Glenn Moore

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 crowds in Lyon, and the millions watching on television, when, shortly after referee Stephanie Frappart had signaled a corner, her hand went to her ear, she indicated play to be paused, then she jogged off to the touchline TV screen. Seconds later, to Dutch despair and American jubilation, she signaled 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 the fourth star on their shirt.

It should be noted the USA would probably have found another way through the Holland defense eventually. Well-organized 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.

Not only was the US already better and fitter, in draining humidity and 30- degree heat they were less exhausted. It was no surprise when they doubled their lead through Rose Lavelle.