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. 

Here is THE call that is the difference in this #FIFAWWC final

(via @TelemundoSports) pic.twitter.com/Di3bcadqjO

— SI Soccer (@si_soccer) July 7, 2019

Megan Rapinoe fires the #USA ahead from the penalty spot with her 50th career international goal

(via @FoxSoccer) pic.twitter.com/osVIm3XpAG

— SI Soccer (@si_soccer) July 7, 2019

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.