The US women just won another World Cup. Here’s how they did it | CNN

CNN values your feedback

1. How relevant is this ad to you?
2. Did you encounter any technical issues?
Thank You!
Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much appreciated.
Close
Ad Feedback
Sports
Football
Tennis
Golf
Motorsport
US Sports
Olympics
Climbing
Esports
Hockey
More
Football Tennis Golf Motorsport US Sports Olympics Climbing Esports Hockey
Watch Listen Live TV
My Account
  • Settings
  • Newsletters
  • Topics you follow
  • Sign out
Your CNN account Sign in to your CNN account

My Account
  • Settings
  • Newsletters
  • Topics you follow
  • Sign out
Your CNN account Sign in to your CNN account

Live TV Listen Watch
Edition
US
International
Arabic
Español
Edition
  • US
  • International
  • Arabic
  • Español

Football
Tennis
Golf
Motorsport
US Sports
Olympics
Climbing
Esports
Hockey

Follow CNN

  • World
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • China
    • Europe
    • India
    • Middle East
    • United Kingdom
  • US Politics
    • Trump
    • Facts First
    • CNN Polls
    • 2025 Elections
  • Business
    • Tech
    • Media
    • Calculators
    • Videos
  • Markets
    • Pre-markets
    • After-Hours
    • Fear & Greed
    • Investing
    • Markets Now
    • Nightcap
  • Health
    • Life, But Better
    • Fitness
    • Food
    • Sleep
    • Mindfulness
    • Relationships
  • Entertainment
    • Movies
    • Television
    • Celebrity
  • Tech
    • Innovate
    • Foreseeable Future
    • Mission: Ahead
    • Work Transformed
    • Innovative Cities
  • Style
    • Arts
    • Design
    • Fashion
    • Architecture
    • Luxury
    • Beauty
    • Video
  • Travel
    • Destinations
    • Food & Drink
    • Stay
    • News
    • Videos
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • Motorsport
    • US Sports
    • Olympics
    • Climbing
    • Esports
    • Hockey
  • Science
    • Space
    • Life
    • Unearthed
  • Climate
    • Solutions
    • Weather
  • Weather
    • Video
    • Climate
  • Ukraine-Russia War
  • Israel-Hamas War
  • Features
    • As Equals
    • Call to Earth
    • Freedom Project
    • Impact Your World
    • Inside Africa
    • CNN Heroes
  • Watch
    • Live TV
    • CNN Fast
    • Shows A-Z
    • CNN10
    • CNN Max
    • CNN TV Schedules
  • Listen
    • CNN 5 Things
    • Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta
    • The Assignment with Audie Cornish
    • One Thing
    • Tug of War
    • CNN Political Briefing
    • The Axe Files
    • All There Is with Anderson Cooper
    • All CNN Audio podcasts
  • Games
    • Daily Crossword
    • Jumble Crossword
    • Sudoblock
    • Sudoku
    • 5 Things Quiz
  • About CNN
    • Photos
    • Investigations
    • CNN Profiles
    • CNN Leadership
    • CNN Newsletters
    • Work for CNN
Women's World Cup 2019
US players celebrate after winning the World Cup final on Sunday, July 7.
US players celebrate after winning the World Cup final on Sunday, July 7.
Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Women's World Cup 2019

The US women just won another World Cup. Here’s how they did it

Updated 2:49 PM EDT, Sun July 7, 2019
Link Copied!

Title defended.

The US women's soccer team won its second straight World Cup on Sunday, defeating the Netherlands 2-0 in Lyon, France.

The Americans went a perfect 7-0 in the tournament, outscoring their opponents 26-3. Here's how they did it, match by match:

US captain Megan Rapinoe, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal of the final. She converted a penalty in the 61st minute.
US captain Megan Rapinoe, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal of the final. She converted a penalty in the 61st minute.
Denis Balibouse/Reuters
The penalty was awarded after a video review of this incident. US forward Alex Morgan was fouled in the box by Dutch defender Stefanie van der Gragt.
The penalty was awarded after a video review of this incident. US forward Alex Morgan was fouled in the box by Dutch defender Stefanie van der Gragt.
Maja Hitij/Getty Images
Rose Lavelle, third from left, celebrates after adding the team's second goal in the 69th minute.
Rose Lavelle, third from left, celebrates after adding the team's second goal in the 69th minute.
Alessandra Tarantino/AP
Morgan celebrates her tournament-leading sixth goal in the 2-1 semifinal win against England on Tuesday, July 2. Rapinoe and England's Ellen White later tied her.
Morgan celebrates her tournament-leading sixth goal in the 2-1 semifinal win against England on Tuesday, July 2. Rapinoe and England's Ellen White later tied her.
Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2019%2F07%2F02%2Fus%2Falyssa-naeher-uswnt-trnd%2Findex.html" target="_blank">saves a penalty</a> by England's Steph Houghton late in the semifinal. The goal preserved the Americans' 2-1 lead.
US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher saves a penalty by England's Steph Houghton late in the semifinal. The goal preserved the Americans' 2-1 lead.
Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Morgan made headlines with her <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2019%2F07%2F03%2Ffootball%2Falex-morgan-celebration-womens-world-cup-spt-intl%2Findex.html" target="_blank">tea-drinking goal celebration</a> against England. The goal came on what was her 30th birthday.
Morgan made headlines with her tea-drinking goal celebration against England. The goal came on what was her 30th birthday.
Catherine Ivill/FIFA via Getty Images
<a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2019%2F07%2F02%2Fsport%2Fmegan-rapinoe-not-starting-trnd%2Findex.html" target="_blank">Many fans were perplexed</a> when Rapinoe was left out of the starting lineup of the England match. She didn't participate in warmups, either. It was announced after the match that she was nursing a slight hamstring strain. She was back in the lineup for the final.
Many fans were perplexed when Rapinoe was left out of the starting lineup of the England match. She didn't participate in warmups, either. It was announced after the match that she was nursing a slight hamstring strain. She was back in the lineup for the final.
Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images
Christen Press, left, celebrates her opening goal against England with Lindsey Horan. Press was the surprise starter in place of Rapinoe.
Christen Press, left, celebrates her opening goal against England with Lindsey Horan. Press was the surprise starter in place of Rapinoe.
Alessandra Tarantino/AP
Rapinoe celebrates one of her two goals in the 2-1 victory over France in the quarterfinals. After being embroiled in a <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2019%2F07%2F03%2Ffootball%2Fmegan-rapinoe-message-uswnt-spt-intl%2Findex.html" target="_blank">war of words with US President Donald Trump,</a> Rapinoe became the focus of unprecedented scrutiny during this World Cup.
Rapinoe celebrates one of her two goals in the 2-1 victory over France in the quarterfinals. After being embroiled in a war of words with US President Donald Trump, Rapinoe became the focus of unprecedented scrutiny during this World Cup.
Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images
US defender Abby Dahlkemper, left, and France's Valerie Gauvin battle for a header. Many experts considered France to be the Americans' biggest challenger in this tournament.
US defender Abby Dahlkemper, left, and France's Valerie Gauvin battle for a header. Many experts considered France to be the Americans' biggest challenger in this tournament.
Michel Euler/AP
Morgan is challenged by French players Amandine Henry, left, and Amel Majri.
Morgan is challenged by French players Amandine Henry, left, and Amel Majri.
Michael Chow/USA Today Sports
The US team huddles before the second half of the France match.
The US team huddles before the second half of the France match.
Naomi Baker/FIFA via Getty Images
US forward Jessica McDonald holds her son, Jeremiah, after the France win.
US forward Jessica McDonald holds her son, Jeremiah, after the France win.
Maddie Meyer/FIFA via Getty Images
Rapinoe slots home a goal from the penalty spot during <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2019%2F06%2F24%2Ffootball%2Fusa-spain-womens-world-cup-last-16-spt-intl%2Findex.html" target="_blank">the Americans' 2-1 victory over Spain</a> in the round of 16. Rapinoe again had both goals. Both were off penalties.
Rapinoe slots home a goal from the penalty spot during the Americans' 2-1 victory over Spain in the round of 16. Rapinoe again had both goals. Both were off penalties.
Richard Sellers/EMPICS/PA/Getty Images
Spanish forward Jennifer Hermoso and US defender Kelley O'Hara compete for a header.
Spanish forward Jennifer Hermoso and US defender Kelley O'Hara compete for a header.
Lionel Bonaventure/AFP/Getty Images
US midfielder Julie Ertz gets a kiss from her husband, NFL star Zach Ertz, after <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2019%2F06%2F20%2Ffootball%2Fuswnt-sweden-womens-world-cup-spt-int%2Findex.html" target="_blank">the Americans defeated Sweden 2-0</a> in the final match of the group stage.
US midfielder Julie Ertz gets a kiss from her husband, NFL star Zach Ertz, after the Americans defeated Sweden 2-0 in the final match of the group stage.
Maddie Meyer/FIFA via Getty Images
Horan, right, scored the opening goal against Sweden in the third minute. At left is US midfielder Rose Lavelle. The Americans didn't allow a goal in their three group matches, winning them by a combined score of 18-0.
Horan, right, scored the opening goal against Sweden in the third minute. At left is US midfielder Rose Lavelle. The Americans didn't allow a goal in their three group matches, winning them by a combined score of 18-0.
Marcio Machado/Getty Images
US head coach Jill Ellis sings the National Anthem before the group-stage match against Chile. Ellis was also the coach when the US team won the World Cup four years ago.
US head coach Jill Ellis sings the National Anthem before the group-stage match against Chile. Ellis was also the coach when the US team won the World Cup four years ago.
Alex Grimm/Getty Images
US fans celebrate a goal in the Americans' 3-0 victory over Chile. Thousands of US fans made the trip to France.
US fans celebrate a goal in the Americans' 3-0 victory over Chile. Thousands of US fans made the trip to France.
Pete Kiehart/The New York Times/Redux
Chile's Javiera Tora, left, and US midfielder Mallory Pugh focus on the ball.
Chile's Javiera Tora, left, and US midfielder Mallory Pugh focus on the ball.
Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images
Carli Lloyd, the Golden Ball winner from the 2015 World Cup, scored the third US goal against Chile. This year, she was mostly used as a substitute.
Carli Lloyd, the Golden Ball winner from the 2015 World Cup, scored the third US goal against Chile. This year, she was mostly used as a substitute.
Alessandra Tarantino/AP
Young US fans watch the match against Chile.
Young US fans watch the match against Chile.
Liewig Christian/ABACA/AP
Rapinoe celebrates her goal during the team's 13-0 rout over Thailand. It was the largest win in World Cup history for any team, men or women. But<a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2019%2F06%2F12%2Fus%2Fuswnt-world-cup-sportsmanship-trnd%2Findex.html" target="_blank"> the team was criticized</a> for the way it celebrated many of its late goals.
Rapinoe celebrates her goal during the team's 13-0 rout over Thailand. It was the largest win in World Cup history for any team, men or women. But the team was criticized for the way it celebrated many of its late goals.
Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images
Lloyd consoles some of the Thai players after the blowout victory.
Lloyd consoles some of the Thai players after the blowout victory.
Lionel Bonaventure/AFP/Getty Images
Lloyd is closed down by a Thai defender in the opening match.
Lloyd is closed down by a Thai defender in the opening match.
Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Getty Images
O'Hara, foreground, cheers on her teammates after a goal against Thailand.
O'Hara, foreground, cheers on her teammates after a goal against Thailand.
Marcio Machado/Getty Images
My Account
  • Settings
  • Newsletters
  • Topics you follow
  • Sign out
Your CNN account Sign in to your CNN account

Live TV Listen Watch
  • World
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • China
    • Europe
    • India
    • Middle East
    • United Kingdom
  • US Politics
    • Trump
    • Facts First
    • CNN Polls
    • 2025 Elections
  • Business
    • Tech
    • Media
    • Calculators
    • Videos
  • Markets
    • Pre-markets
    • After-Hours
    • Fear & Greed
    • Investing
    • Markets Now
    • Nightcap
  • Health
    • Life, But Better
    • Fitness
    • Food
    • Sleep
    • Mindfulness
    • Relationships
  • Entertainment
    • Movies
    • Television
    • Celebrity
  • Tech
    • Innovate
    • Foreseeable Future
    • Mission: Ahead
    • Work Transformed
    • Innovative Cities
  • Style
    • Arts
    • Design
    • Fashion
    • Architecture
    • Luxury
    • Beauty
    • Video
  • Travel
    • Destinations
    • Food & Drink
    • Stay
    • News
    • Videos
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • Motorsport
    • US Sports
    • Olympics
    • Climbing
    • Esports
    • Hockey
  • Science
    • Space
    • Life
    • Unearthed
  • Climate
    • Solutions
    • Weather
  • Weather
    • Video
    • Climate
  • Ukraine-Russia War
  • Israel-Hamas War
  • Features
    • As Equals
    • Call to Earth
    • Freedom Project
    • Impact Your World
    • Inside Africa
    • CNN Heroes
  • Watch
    • Live TV
    • CNN Fast
    • Shows A-Z
    • CNN10
    • CNN Max
    • CNN TV Schedules
  • Listen
    • CNN 5 Things
    • Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta
    • The Assignment with Audie Cornish
    • One Thing
    • Tug of War
    • CNN Political Briefing
    • The Axe Files
    • All There Is with Anderson Cooper
    • All CNN Audio podcasts
  • Games
    • Daily Crossword
    • Jumble Crossword
    • Sudoblock
    • Sudoku
    • 5 Things Quiz
  • About CNN
    • Photos
    • Investigations
    • CNN Profiles
    • CNN Leadership
    • CNN Newsletters
    • Work for CNN

Sports
Watch Listen Live TV
Follow CNN
My Account
  • Settings
  • Newsletters
  • Topics you follow
  • Sign out
Your CNN account Sign in to your CNN account

Terms of Use Privacy Policy Ad Choices Accessibility & CC About Newsletters Transcripts

© 2025 Cable News Network. A Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All Rights Reserved.
CNN Sans ™ & © 2016 Cable News Network.