England vs New Zealand: Key battles in World Cup final clash

Liam Plunkett took three key wickets as England restricted New Zealand to 241-8 in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-final-england-vs-new-zealand-235710">World Cup final</a> at Lord's on Sunday, with both sides desperate to win the tournament for the first time.

Fast bowler Plunkett dismissed New Zealand captain and star batsman Kane Williamson for just 30 before removing established opener Henry Nicholls for an innings-best 55 in a return of 3-42 from his 10 overs.

Chris Woakes followed up with 3-37.

New Zealand, however, successfully defended a total of 239 in their shock semi-final win over India, when they reduced one of the world's strongest batting line-ups to 24-4.

"Sometimes it doesn't feel real, it's nice to be part of this occasion," said Plunkett. "It's a good pitch, we bowled well to restrict them.

"It's nice to know my role. I smash the pitch and use my variations, make the batsmen make mistakes. We would have snapped your hand off to be chasing 240, New Zealand are a good team."

Williamson, as he had done against India, batted first after winning the toss in overcast conditions and on a green pitch.

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England's record without Liam Plunkett at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> 
 
P 4 W 1 L 3 
 
England's record with Liam Plunket at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> 
 
P 6 W 6 L 0 
 
Can England's lucky charm work his magic again?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19Final?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19Final</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreEngland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreEngland</a> <a href="https://t.co/mmV3FEckRA">pic.twitter.com/mmV3FEckRA</a>
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/1150404453083865089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Nicholls was still on nought when given out lbw to Woakes but successfully reviewed umpire Kumar Dharmasena's decision.

Fellow opener Martin Guptill, the leading run-scorer at the 2015 World Cup, hit fast bowler Jofra Archer for two boundaries in three balls -- an uppercut six over third man followed by a straight drive back over the paceman's head.

Guptill has struggled at this tournament, however, and on 19 he was lbw to Woakes. He reviewed but was walking back to the pavilion even before replays confirmed the ball would have smashed into his middle stump.

Williamson out

It left number three Williamson, who started the match with 548 runs in the tournament at an average of 91.33, having to mount yet another rescue mission.

But after putting on 74 for the second wicket with Nicholls, he fell when he edged a rising cross-seamer from Plunkett to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler.

Dharmasena initially said not out but an England review confirmed the end of Williamson's 53-ball innings, which featured just two fours.

New Zealand found themselves 118-3 when Plunkett struck for the second time in 14 balls.

Nicholls, who had completed a 71-ball fifty, fell for 55 when he played on after being cramped for room by a Plunkett delivery that curved back into him.

New Zealand were now looking to senior batsman Taylor to bail them out of trouble but he could only manage 15 before falling lbw to Wood.&nbsp;

When Jimmy Neesham (19) chipped Plunkett to Joe Root at mid-on, the Black Caps were 173-5 with 11 overs left.

Tom Latham defiantly hit Wood for six but Colin de Grandhomme, who top-edged a hook off Archer into his helmet, took 28 balls for a 16 that finished when he chipped a Woakes slower ball mid-off.&nbsp;

Latham's 47 off 56 balls ended when he chipped a low Woakes full toss to mid-off.

England have been in the final three times while New Zealand were beaten finalists in 2015.

Liam Plunkett took three key wickets as England restricted New Zealand to 241-8 in the World Cup final at Lord's on Sunday, with both sides desperate to win the tournament for the first time.

Liam Plunkett took three key wickets as England restricted New Zealand to 241-8 in the World Cup final at Lord's on Sunday, with both sides desperate to win the tournament for the first time. Fast bowler Plunkett dismissed New Zealand captain and star batsman Kane Williamson for just 30 before removing established opener Henry Nicholls for an innings-best 55 in a return of 3-42 from his 10 overs. Chris Woakes followed up with 3-37. New Zealand, however, successfully defended a total of 239 in their shock semi-final win over India, when they reduced one of the world's strongest batting line-ups to 24-4. "Sometimes it doesn't feel real, it's nice to be part of this occasion," said Plunkett. "It's a good pitch, we bowled well to restrict them. "It's nice to know my role. I smash the pitch and use my variations, make the batsmen make mistakes. We would have snapped your hand off to be chasing 240, New Zealand are a good team." Williamson, as he had done against India, batted first after winning the toss in overcast conditions and on a green pitch. England's record without Liam Plunkett at #CWC19 P 4 W 1 L 3 England's record with Liam Plunket at #CWC19 P 6 W 6 L 0 Can England's lucky charm work his magic again?#CWC19Final | #WeAreEngland pic.twitter.com/mmV3FEckRA — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 14, 2019 × Nicholls was still on nought when given out lbw to Woakes but successfully reviewed umpire Kumar Dharmasena's decision. Fellow opener Martin Guptill, the leading run-scorer at the 2015 World Cup, hit fast bowler Jofra Archer for two boundaries in three balls -- an uppercut six over third man followed by a straight drive back over the paceman's head. Guptill has struggled at this tournament, however, and on 19 he was lbw to Woakes. He reviewed but was walking back to the pavilion even before replays confirmed the ball would have smashed into his middle stump. Williamson out It left number three Williamson, who started the match with 548 runs in the tournament at an average of 91.33, having to mount yet another rescue mission. But after putting on 74 for the second wicket with Nicholls, he fell when he edged a rising cross-seamer from Plunkett to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler. Dharmasena initially said not out but an England review confirmed the end of Williamson's 53-ball innings, which featured just two fours. New Zealand found themselves 118-3 when Plunkett struck for the second time in 14 balls. Nicholls, who had completed a 71-ball fifty, fell for 55 when he played on after being cramped for room by a Plunkett delivery that curved back into him. New Zealand were now looking to senior batsman Taylor to bail them out of trouble but he could only manage 15 before falling lbw to Wood. When Jimmy Neesham (19) chipped Plunkett to Joe Root at mid-on, the Black Caps were 173-5 with 11 overs left. Tom Latham defiantly hit Wood for six but Colin de Grandhomme, who top-edged a hook off Archer into his helmet, took 28 balls for a 16 that finished when he chipped a Woakes slower ball mid-off. Latham's 47 off 56 balls ended when he chipped a low Woakes full toss to mid-off. England have been in the final three times while New Zealand were beaten finalists in 2015.

Liam Plunkett puts England in charge of World Cup final against New Zealand

World Cup final: Players to watch out for in England vs New Zealand clash

England captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-final-players-to-watch-out-for-in-england-vs-new-zealand-clash-235596#eoin-morgan-235569">Eoin Morgan</a> knows New Zealand have the ability to defend small totals and says the hosts will need to replicate their near-perfect game against Australia to prevail in Sunday's Cricket World Cup final.

Morgan's men dished out a ruthless performance against arch-rivals Australia, bowling out the five-times champions for 223 and romping home with nearly 18 overs to spare in a lop-sided semi-final at Edgbaston.

Asked if they would need to maintain a similar standard against the 2015 finalists, Morgan said, "I think we will need to, yeah.

"New Zealand are an extremely tough side, with a lot of experience, a lot of skill. They were the best side in the group stage and they improved, very similar to us, from the group stage to the semi-final performance.

"We are striving to improve on our performance. No doubt they (also) will."

New Zealand are one of the two sides, along with Afghanistan, who have not posted a 300-plus total in the tournament, but successfully defended a modest 239 against India in the first semi-final.

Morgan does not expect Sunday's final to be a high-scoring contest and feels the likes of Trent Boult and Matt Henry could prove quite a handful for his batsmen.

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Happiness is... reaching the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> final!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreEngland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreEngland</a> <a href="https://t.co/oYvg5GMEBU">pic.twitter.com/oYvg5GMEBU</a>
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"Throughout the tournament the scores have been a lot lower than they have previously here in the last three or four years. Us adjusting to that has been harder work than it normally is," Morgan said.

"New Zealand have done it brilliantly and Lord's isn't ever a high-scoring ground. I'd say tomorrow isn't going to be a high-scoring ground, so it will be a bit of a battle."

With Sunday's match available on free-to-air television in England, Morgan acknowledged the importance of winning England's maiden men's 50-overs World Cup title though his focus remains on the final only.

"I haven't allowed myself to think about lifting the trophy," said the left-handed batsman.

"Cricket and sport in particular is very fickle. If you ever get ahead, it always seems to bite you in the backside.

"So for us to win it, I think around the country it would be awesome, great for the game.

"I think quite iconic in certainly young kids' memories if they are watching it at home and we manage to lift the trophy, it would be awesome."

Morgan paid tribute to Brendon McCullum, saying the former New Zealand captain had made a deep impact on his leadership style.

"We are close mates and he's taught me a lot about leadership and I think in 2015 the way that New Zealand played is very similar to the way they are playing at the moment."

Morgan credited the former wicketkeeper-batsman for New Zealand's distinct brand of cricket.

"They proved to everybody that you can perform at the highest level and get to the top by being yourselves and not trying to be somebody else, or a different team, or be somebody that is a bit of a novelty for everybody else, so that's quite cool."

England captain Eoin Morgan knows New Zealand have the ability to defend small totals and says the hosts will need to replicate their near-perfect game against Australia to prevail in Sunday's Cricket World Cup final.

England captain Eoin Morgan knows New Zealand have the ability to defend small totals and says the hosts will need to replicate their near-perfect game against Australia to prevail in Sunday's Cricket World Cup final. Morgan's men dished out a ruthless performance against arch-rivals Australia, bowling out the five-times champions for 223 and romping home with nearly 18 overs to spare in a lop-sided semi-final at Edgbaston. Asked if they would need to maintain a similar standard against the 2015 finalists, Morgan said, "I think we will need to, yeah. "New Zealand are an extremely tough side, with a lot of experience, a lot of skill. They were the best side in the group stage and they improved, very similar to us, from the group stage to the semi-final performance. "We are striving to improve on our performance. No doubt they (also) will." New Zealand are one of the two sides, along with Afghanistan, who have not posted a 300-plus total in the tournament, but successfully defended a modest 239 against India in the first semi-final. Morgan does not expect Sunday's final to be a high-scoring contest and feels the likes of Trent Boult and Matt Henry could prove quite a handful for his batsmen. Happiness is... reaching the #CWC19 final!#WeAreEngland pic.twitter.com/oYvg5GMEBU — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 13, 2019 × "Throughout the tournament the scores have been a lot lower than they have previously here in the last three or four years. Us adjusting to that has been harder work than it normally is," Morgan said. "New Zealand have done it brilliantly and Lord's isn't ever a high-scoring ground. I'd say tomorrow isn't going to be a high-scoring ground, so it will be a bit of a battle." With Sunday's match available on free-to-air television in England, Morgan acknowledged the importance of winning England's maiden men's 50-overs World Cup title though his focus remains on the final only. "I haven't allowed myself to think about lifting the trophy," said the left-handed batsman. "Cricket and sport in particular is very fickle. If you ever get ahead, it always seems to bite you in the backside. "So for us to win it, I think around the country it would be awesome, great for the game. "I think quite iconic in certainly young kids' memories if they are watching it at home and we manage to lift the trophy, it would be awesome." Morgan paid tribute to Brendon McCullum, saying the former New Zealand captain had made a deep impact on his leadership style. "We are close mates and he's taught me a lot about leadership and I think in 2015 the way that New Zealand played is very similar to the way they are playing at the moment." Morgan credited the former wicketkeeper-batsman for New Zealand's distinct brand of cricket. "They proved to everybody that you can perform at the highest level and get to the top by being yourselves and not trying to be somebody else, or a different team, or be somebody that is a bit of a novelty for everybody else, so that's quite cool."

Eoin Morgan tells England to replicate Australia form in final

England faces New Zealand in the World Cup final on Sunday knowing years of planning come down to a single day at Lord's.

When England exited the 2015 edition with an embarrassing defeat by Bangladesh, few were tipping them as potential champions in four years' time.

As <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/englands-jason-roy-escapes-world-cup-final-ban-after-dissent-fine-235227">England</a> captain, Eoin Morgan put it, "If you had offered us the position to play in a final the day after we were knocked out of the 2015 World Cup, I would have laughed at you."

One person not laughing was Andrew Strauss, the former England director of cricket.

Drafted into the newly created role, Strauss set about an overhaul that saw the former England captain appoint Australia's Trevor Bayliss as coach, and place greater emphasis on white-ball cricket.

The worth of all that work showed when Morgan's men, now top of the one-day international rankings, thrashed reigning champions Australia by eight wickets in the semi-final at Edgbaston on Thursday.

Many of the elements that made England the pre-tournament favourites were on show in Birmingham.

Pacemen Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes reduced Australia to 14-3, leg-spinner Adil Rashid took wickets in the middle and the dynamic duo of Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow -- statistically the most successful opening pair in ODI history -- launched the run chase with a blistering century partnership.&nbsp;

'Fearless' cricket

The challenge for England is to embrace the hype surrounding Sunday's fixture without letting it inhibit them from playing their brand of "fearless" cricket. &nbsp;

By reaching the final, England has guaranteed an international match will be shown live on free-to-air television in Britain for the first time since the iconic 2005 Ashes series -- a chance to inspire a new generation.

"I think Sunday's not a day to shy away from, it's a day to look forward to," said Morgan, an outrider in English cricket in becoming an ODI specialist when the steely Dubliner realised his Test career had stalled.

It is perhaps appropriate that England are facing New Zealand in a final between two sides who have yet to win the World Cup.

For it was the Black Caps who showed England how to play the modern one-day game at the 2015 edition in Wellington four years ago.

They shot out England for just 123 and then overhauled that total in a mere 12.2 overs.

"It was as close to rock-bottom as I've been", said Morgan. "Certainly as a captain and as a player, being beaten off the park like that was humiliating."

England gained a measure of revenge with a 119-run thrashing of New Zealand in a group-stage match earlier in this World Cup.

But that is unlikely to count for much on Sunday.

All tournament long, the same comment has been made about New Zealand -- they boast a well-balanced attack led by left-arm quick Trent Boult but are over-reliant on captain Kane Williamson and fellow senior batsman Ross Taylor for their runs.

The polite Kiwis have responded by continuing to "scrap", in the phrase of fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, their way to wins as demonstrated by their dramatic 18-run semi-final victory over India.

Boult and Matt Henry reduced one of the world's most powerful top orders to 5-3, before left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, aided by superb fielding, backed them up after Williamson and Taylor had made battling fifties on a tricky pitch.

While many members of the home side were not even born when England made the last of three losing appearances in a World Cup final in 1992, the Black Caps have the experience of their heavy defeat by co-hosts Australia in the climax of the 2015 edition in Melbourne to call on.

"I'd be lying if I said we weren't a bit overawed by the change of scenery," said Taylor as he looked back to New Zealand's first and only match on Australian soil in that tournament.

"I think we know what to expect, the pressures that come with it, we've been there before. You just have to enjoy it, it's the 'Home of Cricket', I can't think of a better place to play a final."

England faces New Zealand in the World Cup final on Sunday knowing years of planning come down to a single day at Lord's. When England exited the 2015 edition with an embarrassing defeat by Bangladesh, few were tipping them as potential champions in four years' time.

England faces New Zealand in the World Cup final on Sunday knowing years of planning come down to a single day at Lord's. When England exited the 2015 edition with an embarrassing defeat by Bangladesh, few were tipping them as potential champions in four years' time. As England captain, Eoin Morgan put it, "If you had offered us the position to play in a final the day after we were knocked out of the 2015 World Cup, I would have laughed at you." One person not laughing was Andrew Strauss, the former England director of cricket. Drafted into the newly created role, Strauss set about an overhaul that saw the former England captain appoint Australia's Trevor Bayliss as coach, and place greater emphasis on white-ball cricket. The worth of all that work showed when Morgan's men, now top of the one-day international rankings, thrashed reigning champions Australia by eight wickets in the semi-final at Edgbaston on Thursday. Many of the elements that made England the pre-tournament favourites were on show in Birmingham. Pacemen Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes reduced Australia to 14-3, leg-spinner Adil Rashid took wickets in the middle and the dynamic duo of Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow -- statistically the most successful opening pair in ODI history -- launched the run chase with a blistering century partnership. 'Fearless' cricket The challenge for England is to embrace the hype surrounding Sunday's fixture without letting it inhibit them from playing their brand of "fearless" cricket. By reaching the final, England has guaranteed an international match will be shown live on free-to-air television in Britain for the first time since the iconic 2005 Ashes series -- a chance to inspire a new generation. "I think Sunday's not a day to shy away from, it's a day to look forward to," said Morgan, an outrider in English cricket in becoming an ODI specialist when the steely Dubliner realised his Test career had stalled. It is perhaps appropriate that England are facing New Zealand in a final between two sides who have yet to win the World Cup. For it was the Black Caps who showed England how to play the modern one-day game at the 2015 edition in Wellington four years ago. They shot out England for just 123 and then overhauled that total in a mere 12.2 overs. "It was as close to rock-bottom as I've been", said Morgan. "Certainly as a captain and as a player, being beaten off the park like that was humiliating." England gained a measure of revenge with a 119-run thrashing of New Zealand in a group-stage match earlier in this World Cup. But that is unlikely to count for much on Sunday. All tournament long, the same comment has been made about New Zealand -- they boast a well-balanced attack led by left-arm quick Trent Boult but are over-reliant on captain Kane Williamson and fellow senior batsman Ross Taylor for their runs. The polite Kiwis have responded by continuing to "scrap", in the phrase of fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, their way to wins as demonstrated by their dramatic 18-run semi-final victory over India. Boult and Matt Henry reduced one of the world's most powerful top orders to 5-3, before left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, aided by superb fielding, backed them up after Williamson and Taylor had made battling fifties on a tricky pitch. While many members of the home side were not even born when England made the last of three losing appearances in a World Cup final in 1992, the Black Caps have the experience of their heavy defeat by co-hosts Australia in the climax of the 2015 edition in Melbourne to call on. "I'd be lying if I said we weren't a bit overawed by the change of scenery," said Taylor as he looked back to New Zealand's first and only match on Australian soil in that tournament. "I think we know what to expect, the pressures that come with it, we've been there before. You just have to enjoy it, it's the 'Home of Cricket', I can't think of a better place to play a final."

England face day of destiny in World Cup final against New Zealand

The United States retained the women's World Cup on Sunday as a Megan Rapinoe penalty and a superb Rose Lavelle strike gave the holders a 2-0 victory over a battling Netherlands side in Lyon.

Having been kept at bay by the brilliant Dutch goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal throughout the first half, the USA finally went ahead just after the hour as Rapinoe stroked home from 12 yards to end the tournament as joint top scorer on six goals.

There was an air of inevitability about the pink-haired 34-year-old, the star of this World Cup on and off the field, putting the USA ahead.

It also seemed inevitable that the breakthrough goal here should come from a VAR-awarded penalty, with French referee Stephanie Frappart initially giving a corner before pointing to the spot following a review.

The whippet-like Lavelle, another stand-out performer over the last month, got the second goal in the 69th minute, killing off Dutch hopes of a comeback.

The victory underlines the USA's status as the dominant force in international women's football as they claim the World Cup for the fourth time in eight editions.

They were already the first team to appear in three consecutive finals, and coach Jill Ellis becomes the first coach to win back-to-back World Cups in the men's or women's game since Italy's Vittorio Pozzo in the 1930s.

The USA had been the only non-European team to make it to the quarter-finals here, but they had already ended the hopes of the hosts and England before denying the Dutch a dream double success, two years after they won Euro 2017 on home soil.

Whether the Americans can continue this domination on to the next World Cup remains to be seen, not least because Rapinoe is already in the twilight years of her career.

She was brought back into the starting line-up here by Ellis having sat out the victory over England in the last four due to a hamstring problem.

Christen Press made way but came on for the closing stages, as Rapinoe went off to a loud ovation from the massed ranks of USA fans.

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 
 
Congrats, <a href="https://twitter.com/USWNT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USWNT</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LaGrandeFinale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LaGrandeFinale</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USANED?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USANED</a>🇺🇸🇳🇱 <a href="https://t.co/YgrovxrBAa">pic.twitter.com/YgrovxrBAa</a>
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Goalkeeping heroics in vain

At a tournament which has showcased the improving standards of goalkeeping in the women's game, the excellent Van Veenendaal prevented the USA from winning by a greater margin.

The 29-year-old, who has spent the last four years at Arsenal, had already excelled in her team's win over Sweden in the semi-finals.

Here, she allowed her team to withstand an onslaught from the holders towards half-time, saving well from Julie Ertz and bettering that by producing two superb stops in quick succession in the 38th minute.

Both American chances came from crosses from the left by Rapinoe. First Van Veenendaal stopped a Samantha Mewis header, and then she turned the ball onto the post when Alex Morgan diverted Rapinoe's low centre towards goal.

Morgan was thwarted again moments later as she tried her luck from 20 yards, and the European champions held out until the interval.

The USA had scored no later than the 12th minute in all of their prior matches at this World Cup, but the Dutch, crucially, offered little going forward at the other end.

Still, it was 61 minutes before the holders went ahead.

The referee gave a corner when Stefanie van der Gragt challenged Morgan in the area, but changed her mind upon seeing the images. Rapinoe stroked in the first penalty scored in a women's World Cup final to claim a share of the golden boot with Morgan and England's Ellen White.

The Netherlands tried to regain their composure, but there was nothing they could do to stop Lavelle's piercing run towards the box midway through the second half.

She dropped her shoulder to set up the shooting opportunity, and fired in low from 18 yards. Van Veenendaal then saved from Morgan and Dunn to keep the score down, but the title was the USA's again.

The United States retained the women's World Cup on Sunday as a Megan Rapinoe penalty and a superb Rose Lavelle strike gave the holders a 2-0 victory over a battling Netherlands side in Lyon.

The United States retained the women's World Cup on Sunday as a Megan Rapinoe penalty and a superb Rose Lavelle strike gave the holders a 2-0 victory over a battling Netherlands side in Lyon. Having been kept at bay by the brilliant Dutch goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal throughout the first half, the USA finally went ahead just after the hour as Rapinoe stroked home from 12 yards to end the tournament as joint top scorer on six goals. There was an air of inevitability about the pink-haired 34-year-old, the star of this World Cup on and off the field, putting the USA ahead. It also seemed inevitable that the breakthrough goal here should come from a VAR-awarded penalty, with French referee Stephanie Frappart initially giving a corner before pointing to the spot following a review. The whippet-like Lavelle, another stand-out performer over the last month, got the second goal in the 69th minute, killing off Dutch hopes of a comeback. The victory underlines the USA's status as the dominant force in international women's football as they claim the World Cup for the fourth time in eight editions. They were already the first team to appear in three consecutive finals, and coach Jill Ellis becomes the first coach to win back-to-back World Cups in the men's or women's game since Italy's Vittorio Pozzo in the 1930s. The USA had been the only non-European team to make it to the quarter-finals here, but they had already ended the hopes of the hosts and England before denying the Dutch a dream double success, two years after they won Euro 2017 on home soil. Whether the Americans can continue this domination on to the next World Cup remains to be seen, not least because Rapinoe is already in the twilight years of her career. She was brought back into the starting line-up here by Ellis having sat out the victory over England in the last four due to a hamstring problem. Christen Press made way but came on for the closing stages, as Rapinoe went off to a loud ovation from the massed ranks of USA fans. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Congrats, @USWNT! #LaGrandeFinale | #USANED🇺🇸🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/YgrovxrBAa — FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 7, 2019 × Goalkeeping heroics in vain At a tournament which has showcased the improving standards of goalkeeping in the women's game, the excellent Van Veenendaal prevented the USA from winning by a greater margin. The 29-year-old, who has spent the last four years at Arsenal, had already excelled in her team's win over Sweden in the semi-finals. Here, she allowed her team to withstand an onslaught from the holders towards half-time, saving well from Julie Ertz and bettering that by producing two superb stops in quick succession in the 38th minute. Both American chances came from crosses from the left by Rapinoe. First Van Veenendaal stopped a Samantha Mewis header, and then she turned the ball onto the post when Alex Morgan diverted Rapinoe's low centre towards goal. Morgan was thwarted again moments later as she tried her luck from 20 yards, and the European champions held out until the interval. The USA had scored no later than the 12th minute in all of their prior matches at this World Cup, but the Dutch, crucially, offered little going forward at the other end. Still, it was 61 minutes before the holders went ahead. The referee gave a corner when Stefanie van der Gragt challenged Morgan in the area, but changed her mind upon seeing the images. Rapinoe stroked in the first penalty scored in a women's World Cup final to claim a share of the golden boot with Morgan and England's Ellen White. The Netherlands tried to regain their composure, but there was nothing they could do to stop Lavelle's piercing run towards the box midway through the second half. She dropped her shoulder to set up the shooting opportunity, and fired in low from 18 yards. Van Veenendaal then saved from Morgan and Dunn to keep the score down, but the title was the USA's again.

USA win women's World Cup after beating Netherlands 2-0 in final

United States forward Alex Morgan said on Friday (July 5) that any decision about whether to accept an invitation to visit President Donald Trump at the White House would only come after Sunday's World Cup final and would likely be a collective team choice. US winger Megan Rapinoe's forceful comments that she would not attend any White House celebration prompted Trump to respond in a series of tweets and caused plenty of controversies.

Play first and deal with Trump question afterwards: USA's Alex Morgan

"This injury is difficult, and the biggest challenge is right now, going to the World Cup after not playing for three months," the 26-year-old Paris St Germain forward said on a sponsor's social media channel.

Brazilian striker Neymar said getting fit for the World Cup following surgery has been the biggest challenge of his career and he is also worried about how his injured foot will respond to top-class competition.

"The expectations are very high, not just from the fans but from me as well, that's why this is the biggest challenge I'm facing."

He has been out of action since spraining his ankle and fracturing his fifth metatarsal on Feb. 25, which led him to undergo surgery in Brazil.

The striker said he feared he would miss the June 14-July 15 World Cup finals in Russia in the immediate aftermath of suffering the injury.

"I was a bit worried I might not be ready in time but after I had the scans, they...told me about the surgery, how long the recovery would take, and that helped to calm me down.

"I've started training with the ball, I've started shooting and passing and now it's just a case of improving," he added. "I feel good, comfortable, at ease. Of course, there is a certain worry, fear, but little by little I'll lose that."

Neymar, who joined the Ligue 1 club from Barcelona for a record 222 million euros ($265.18 million) last August, is expected to be fully fit by the time Brazil kick off their World Cup campaign against Switzerland on June 17.

The five-times world champions will also play Costa Rica and Serbia in Group E.

He has been out of action since spraining his ankle and fracturing his fifth metatarsal on Feb. 25, which led him to undergo surgery in Brazil

"This injury is difficult, and the biggest challenge is right now, going to the World Cup after not playing for three months," the 26-year-old Paris St Germain forward said on a sponsor's social media channel. Brazilian striker Neymar said getting fit for the World Cup following surgery has been the biggest challenge of his career and he is also worried about how his injured foot will respond to top-class competition. "The expectations are very high, not just from the fans but from me as well, that's why this is the biggest challenge I'm facing." He has been out of action since spraining his ankle and fracturing his fifth metatarsal on Feb. 25, which led him to undergo surgery in Brazil. The striker said he feared he would miss the June 14-July 15 World Cup finals in Russia in the immediate aftermath of suffering the injury. "I was a bit worried I might not be ready in time but after I had the scans, they...told me about the surgery, how long the recovery would take, and that helped to calm me down. "I've started training with the ball, I've started shooting and passing and now it's just a case of improving," he added. "I feel good, comfortable, at ease. Of course, there is a certain worry, fear, but little by little I'll lose that." Neymar, who joined the Ligue 1 club from Barcelona for a record 222 million euros ($265.18 million) last August, is expected to be fully fit by the time Brazil kick off their World Cup campaign against Switzerland on June 17. The five-times world champions will also play Costa Rica and Serbia in Group E.

Neymar's foot injury worries him, as he prepares to return

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