VAR Gives USA Penalty in Women’s World Cup Final vs. Netherlands

The contentious final between the U.S. and the Netherlands was at a stalemate until VAR intervened and handed a penalty for the Americans in the second half.

Having been a central theme throughout the tournament, VAR took center stage once again as the U.S was granted a penalty in the second half of the Women's World Cup final against the Netherlands. 

The game was at 0-0 as both sides were looking for the opener, when in the 58th minute, Alex Morgan looked to pounce on a cross from Tobin Heath only to be blocked by Dutch defender Stefanie van der Gragt inside the box. But that's when VAR intervened and alerted the referee the possibility of a foul. The main official stopped play to review and gave the penalty after what appeared to be a high kick from van der Gragt, with her stud going into the back of Morgan's shoulder. 

Once the penalty was given, Rapinoe stepped up and scored her sixth goal of the tournament.

In the end, the U.S. won 2-0 as Rose Lavelle scored the Americans' second in the 69th minute to provide the breathing room necessary to finish off the Netherlands and claim a fourth Women's World Cup title.