Donald Trump Congratulates USA After 2019 Women's World Cup Victory
Jul 7, 2019
President Donald Trump talks to reporters on the South Lawn of the White House before departing for his Bedminster, N.J. golf club, Friday, July 5, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
President Donald Trump congratulated the United States women's national team after its 2-0 victory over the Netherlands Sunday to secure the 2019 World Cup title:
Congratulations to the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team on winning the World Cup! Great and exciting play. America is proud of you all!
Trump became part of the team's story after star forward Megan Rapinoe said she wasn't going to go to the White House if the team won the title.
The president responded on Twitter by showing support for the team regardless of the outcome.
"I am a big fan of the American Team, and Women’s Soccer," Trump tweeted in June. "But Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job! We haven’t yet invited Megan or the team, but I am now inviting the TEAM, win or lose."
However, Rapinoe argued that most of the team wouldn't go even if invited.
"I haven't spoken to everyone about it, obviously not myself, not Ali Krieger, and I suspect not many, if any, of the other players," she said, per Andy Scott of AFP (via Yahoo Sports).
Women's World Cup 2019 Trophy: USA Celebration Highlights, Reaction
Jul 7, 2019
United States' Megan Rapinoe lifts up a trophy after winning the Women's World Cup final soccer match between US and The Netherlands at the Stade de Lyon in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Sunday, July 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
The United States defeated the Netherlands 2-0 in the 2019 FIFAWomen's World Cupfinal on Sunday, with the Americans becoming four-time world champions.
USA were the superior side in Lyon, France, and the Dutch failed to turn the screw on the holders.
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 7, 2019
Ben Hayward of the London Evening Standard congratulated the U.S., and tweeted the Dutch did not do enough to pressurise the champions:
That's a Rap!
Deserved win for #USA and the iconic Megan Rapinoe celebration again.#NED with a great effort, but not enough chances created or shots to trouble the best team in the world.
The victory was Ellis's second World Cup success. Rapinoe became the oldest goalscorer in a women's World Cup final, and collected both the Golden Boot and the Player of the Tournament Golden Ball awards.
CNN's Coy Wire hailed the U.S. achievement:
Breaking every single glass ceiling Congrats to American heroes. Motivators. Inspirations. Champions. ✊ #uswnt@USWNT https://t.co/5vzPjYfBub
Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres invited the champions on her TV show to celebrate their latest success:
The US women’s soccer team are the world champions! I’m so happy. These women are the best of what our country represents. You’re welcome on my show any time. My World Cup runneth over. @USWNT#USA#FIFAWWC
FIFA president Gianni Infantino presented the trophy to the back-to-back winners. The U.S. have produced the highest level of performance in France, and they thoroughly deserve their accolades after conquering the world once again.
FIFA Women's World Cup 2019 Awards: Golden Ball, Boot and Glove Winners
Jul 7, 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 07: Megan Rapinoe of the USA celebrates following the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Final match between The United States of America and The Netherlands at Stade de Lyon on July 07, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Megan Rapinoewas awarded the Golden Ball as the best player at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup following Sunday's final between the United States and the Netherlands.
The U.S. retained the trophy in Lyon, winning 2-0, with Rapainoe playing a key role. She opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 61st minute to take her tally to six and also win her the Golden Boot.
Rapinoe finished as the tournament's top scorer with team-mate Alex Morgan and England's Ellen White coming in second and third, respectively.
The Dutch may have been on the losing end in the final, but Sari van Veenendaal claimed the Golden Glove as the best goalkeeper in the competition. Van Veenendaal excelled in the final to cap a series of impressive performances during the last month.
While 20-year-old Gwinn marked herself out as a player for the future, the tournament has belonged to the established stars of the U.S. Rapinoe has shone brightest thanks to a ruthless streak in front of goal that began with getting on the scoresheet during the 13-0 win over Thailand in Group F back in June.
The emphatic victory proved a precursor for the U.S. to lift the trophy again, even though Rapinoe didn't score again during the group stage. Better yet, the 34-year-old saved her best form for the knockout phase, netting four times en route to the final.
A brace saw off Spain in the last 16 before two more Rapinoe goals put paid to the hosts in the quarter-final. Calmness under pressure has defined Rapinoe's performance, a trait she showed when stepping up from 12 yards in the final.
NERVES OF STEEL 💪🇺🇸
Megan Rapinoe scores her 50th international goal from the penalty spot and gives USA the lead in the #FIFAWWC final! pic.twitter.com/gjPpYOrcyl
As well as her exploits on the pitch, Rapinoe drew admiration from some for her words off it. She spoke out against the idea of players accepting an invitation from President Donald Trump to visit the White House, perJoshua Peckof theSunday Express: "I don't know. I haven't spoken to everyone about it. Not myself, not Ali Krieger and I suspect not many, if any, of the other players."
Rapinoe was also critical of FIFA for showing a lack of respect for the women's game by hosting the finals of the 2019 Copa America and Gold Cup on the same day as the World Cup's showpiece match, perBBC Sport.
Rapinoe's World Cup has to be up there with the greatest all-time talk-and-back-it-up performances in sports history. Tangle with a President and win World Cup and MVP? A socially conscious athlete pilloried for patriotism? No one will *ever* be Ali, but there's Ali in Rapinoe.
Quite the ad from Nike: "I believe that ... a whole generation of girls and boys will go out and play and say things like, 'I want to be like Megan Rapinoe when I grow up.' And that they'll be inspired to talk and win." pic.twitter.com/D0PfztNyXr
While Rapinoe has deserved the spotlight, Van Veenendaal has merited praise for helping an entertaining Netherlands team perform above expectations.
The gifted stopper's contract with Arsenal is up this summer, but a trio of clean sheets in France should have plenty of teams vying for her signature.
#NED goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal is locked in 😤
Along with forwards Vivianne Miedema and Lieke Martens and Arsenal playmaker Danielle van de Donk, Van Veenendaal is a key part of a squad primed to become the most credible rival to the U.S. dominance at this level.
Megan Rapinoe, USA Beat Netherlands to Repeat as Women's World Cup Champions
Jul 7, 2019
Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle were both on target as the United States were crowned world champions Sunday after beating the Netherlands 2-0 in the FIFA 2019 Women's World Cup final.
The holders enjoyed the better of the first half but could not find a way past Dutch goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal, who produced a string of good saves to deny Julie Ertz and Alex Morgan the opening goal.
The United States continued their dominance after the break and finally made the breakthrough from the penalty spot after Stefanie van der Gragt was penalised for a foul on Morgan.
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Rapinoe made no mistake with her spot-kick, slotting the ball down the middle to put the Stars and Stripes ahead with half an hour left to play.
The win was wrapped up by Lavelle eight minutes later. The midfielder strode forward and fired a low shot past Van Veenendaal to secure a fourth world title for the United States.
Rapinoe was back in the starting XI for the holders in place of Christen Press, while Jill Ellis opted to leave midfielder Lindsey Horan on the bench and start Sam Mewis.
The Netherlands made just one change with Anouk Dekker replacing Merel van Dongen in defence, with Barcelona's Lieke Martens fit to start after concerns over a toe injury:
The United States were the dominant team in the first half but found Van Veenendaal continuing the fine form she has already demonstrated in the tournament.
Gracenote Live noted how the United States could not find an early goal for the first time at the World Cup:
❌ - 35' 0-0: USA have scored in the first 12 minutes of all their World Cup matches in 2019, except the final. #FIFAWWC
Van Veenendaal parried a powerful effort from Ertz just before the half-hour mark and followed that up by denying the midfielder again and Morgan after good work from Rapinoe.
BBC Sport highlighted the holders' dominance:
The Netherlands haven't had much luck in the #USA penalty area so far.
And at the other end Sari van Veenendaal has just pulled off a fantastic double save to thwart the USA.
The holders ramped up the pressure as half-time approached, and Van Veenendaal was called into action yet again to deny Morgan's fierce effort from 20 yards.
The Netherlands created a few flickers of danger at the other end but failed to seriously trouble Alyssa Naeher in the United States goal.
Ellis' side continued to dominate after the break, and their pressure eventually told. Morgan went down under pressure from Van der Gragt, and the penalty was awarded for a high boot after a VAR check:
Rapinoe coolly slotted home from the spot to join Morgan and Ellen White as the tournament's top scorers with six goals.
The win was wrapped up eight minutes later when Lavelle added a fine second. The midfielder drove toward goal, jinked to her left on the edge of the box and then fired a low strike across Van Veenendaal and into the corner:
Glad that Rose Lavelle's scored the goal that settles it. I won't pretend to be an expert but, in my humble opinion, she's the most gifted player I've seen at this tournament. I feel very sorry for the Dutch, though, who have played *extremely* well.
The Stars and Stripes had opportunities to extend their lead further in the closing stages but Tobin Heath, substitute Press and Morgan were guilty of wasting chances against a tiring Netherlands team.
It is a deserved victory for the United States, who have looked a cut above throughout the tournament and have cemented their status as the world's best in France.
What's Next?
The Netherlands return to action in August with a UEFA Women's Championship qualifier against Estonia. The United States are yet to announce their next fixtures.
Women's World Cup Finals 2019: Championship TV Schedule and Live Stream
Jul 7, 2019
United States' Megan Rapinoe celebrates after scoring her side's second goal during the Women's World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between France and the United States at the Parc des Princes, in Paris, Friday, June 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
The Netherlands take on the United States in the 2019 FIFAWomen's World Cupfinal on Sunday.
USA are chasing their fourth world title and will need to overcome the reigning European champions.
Lyon, France, will host the final at the end of an entertaining competition, with Sweden earning third place after a 2-1 win over England on Saturday.
The Dutch appear in their first ever World Cup final against a team who know this part of the tournament so well.
Jill Ellis' squad looked good in the group phase, but they have ramped up their form during the knockout stage.
Eliminating Spain, France and England in the knockouts was a statement of intent by the Americans.
The Oranje Leeuwinnen are the surprise package of the tournament, and the draw was kind to them after they qualified from Group E with a perfect record.
A 2-1 win over Japan booked a place in the quarter-finals, and a composed 2-0 victory against Italy allowed the Dutch to make the last four.
Running into Sweden in the semi-finals was preferable after the Swedes eliminated Germany.
The Netherlands attack was not at its best, but a 1-0 win gave the Dutch a chance at world glory.
However, beating the holders will be an incredibly tough task, with the biggest prize in the game the ultimate reward.
According to Rory Smith of the New York Times, Netherlands and Arsenal midfielder Jill Roord said her team can cause one of the biggest shocks in the history of the women's game:
"They have a lot of quality, especially in attack. But then so does England, and they had a lot of chances [in the semi-final]. It is a dream for us to play them, but it is a final, and anything is possible. We can beat them."
USA's players Megan Rapinoe (R) and Jessica McDonald (L) attend a training session in Limonest near Lyon on July 6, 2019 on the eve of the France 2019 Womens World Cup final against the Netherlands. (Photo by PHILIPPE DESMAZES / AFP) (Photo credit
The U.S will have to wait on the fitness of key forward Megan Rapinoe, with the player believing she will be ready after sitting out the 2-1 semi-final victory over England.
Per Seth Vertelney of Goal, Rapinoe said on Saturday she's on her way to recovering from a hamstring knock: "As of now I'm expecting to be ready for tomorrow, I feel good. That's all I can really say right now."
Victory will see the U.S. crowned four-time world champions, extending their record haul ahead of two-time winners Germany. The accolade would be fully deserved after their dominance since the last World Cup.
Ellis' women remain the No. 1 ranked side in the world, and no one has been able to catch them over an extended period.
The unfancied Dutch could offer a goal threat through Vivianne Miedema, but the U.S. have a phenomenal attack that can score against any defence on the planet.
USA vs. Netherlands: Odds, Live Stream, TV Info for Women's World Cup 2019 Final
Jul 6, 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 2: (L-R) Jessica McDonald of USA Women, Carli Lloyd of USA Women, Tobin Heath of USA Women, Morgan Brian of USA Women, Alyssa Naeher of USA Women, Kelley O Hara of USA Women celebrates the victory during the World Cup Women match between England v USA at the Stade de Lyon on July 2, 2019 in Lyon France (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
The United States will attempt to become four-time world champions on Sunday, but the Netherlands stand in their way in the 2019 FIFAWomen's World Cupfinal.
The holders are favourites to retain the World Cup trophy against the 2017 European Championship winners.
The Oranje Leeuwinnen were outsiders before the competition, but the Dutch have talented forwards who should cause problems for the USA defence.
Jill Ellis's U.S. side have been formidable in the knockouts, with the team displaying excellent balance across the park.
goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal of Netherlands women, Desiree van Lunteren of Netherlands women, Stefanie van der Gragt of Netherlands women, Merel van Dongen of Netherlands women, Kika van Es of Netherlands women, Anouk Dekker of Netherlands women, Shanic
However, the world champions' defence might be their weakest part of their lineup, and the Dutch love to attack.
Sarina Wiegman's team rank No. 8 in the world, and the Americans have eliminated the greater threats of France and England.
The hosts and Three Lionesses had the weaponry to beat the champions, but both nations were swept aside.
It would be easy for the U.S. to underestimate the Netherlands after defeating two of the competition's strongest teams.
However, that would represent a serious error committed by Ellis' world-class squad.
United States' coach Jillian Ellis stands for the anthem before the France 2019 Women's World Cup semi-final football match between England and USA, on July 2, 2019, at the Lyon Satdium in Decines-Charpieu, central-eastern France. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE /
Ellis will have to wait to see if she can name Megan Rapinoe in her starting XI, with the 34-year-old consistently proving to be one of her team's best players.
The U.S. defeated England 2-1 in the semi-final, with Rapinoe on the sideline with an injury.
Rapinoe was scoring freely in France alongside Alex Morgan, but she now trails her team-mate and England's Ellen White by one goal in the race for the Golden Boot.
Both Morgan and White have six goals, and the strikers could increase their haul in the last games. Morgan is expected to start the final and White should feature for England in the third place play-off against Sweden.
Vivianne Miedema of Netherlands women during the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019 semi final match between The Netherlands and Sweden of America at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
The Dutch will be relying on the finishing of forward Vivianne Miedema in Lyon.
Miedema broke her country's goalscoring record against Cameroon in the second match of the group phase.
The 3-1 win saw Miedema score a brace to hit her 60th goal for the Netherlands at just 22 years old.
Miedema scored her third goal of the competition in a 2-0 win over Italy in the quarter-finals, but her performances have been less impressive during the knockouts.
If the Dutch fail to fire up their forwards against the U.S., it could end up being a procession to the title for the holders.
Alex Morgan: Criticism of Tea Celebration Shows 'Double Standard' for Women
Jul 5, 2019
United States' Alex Morgan, left, celebrates her side's second goal during the Women's World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and the United States, at the Stade de Lyon outside Lyon, France, Tuesday, July 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
The United States women's national team has received no shortage of criticism for its goal celebrations throughout the 2019 Women's World Cup, and star Alex Morgan believes that is because women face unfair double standards.
"I feel that there is some sort of double standard for females in sports to feel like we have to be humble in our successes and have to celebrate, but not too much or in a limited fashion," Morgan told reporters Friday. "You see men celebrating all over the world in big tournaments, grabbing their sacks or whatever it is. And when I look at sipping a cup of tea, I am a little taken aback by the criticism."
Alex Morgan defends her 'tea drinking' celebration
Morgan went viral on Tuesday when she celebrated her opening goal in the United States' 2-0 victory over England in the FIFA Women's World Cup semi-final bypretending to drink tea.
That celebration was perceived to be a shot at England, with former Lioness player Lianne Sanderson callingit "distasteful" and "disrespectful" on beIN Sports. Morgan said Friday that "it wasn't a hit to England in any way," citing Game of Thrones actress Sophie Turner instead as the inspiration.
USWNT star Megan Rapinoedefendedher teammate on Wednesday, saying that the players are living in the moment.
Rapinoe, Morgan and Co. have been in the spotlight throughout the tournament, starting the "Tour de Four" (with the team seeking its fourth World Cup title) with a record-setting 13-0 rout of Thailand. United States coach Jill Ellisquestionedthe validity of the criticism of the blowout by asking, "If this is 10-0 in a men's World Cup, are we getting the same questions?"
Morganmade it clear after the World Cup opener that she felt it is "important for us to celebrate together" and that the team is not looking to disrespect its opponents. And even as the scrutiny continues, the team has continued tocelebrate en route to the finals.
It was just last year that France star Antoine Griezmann "took the L" on Croatia in the 2018 World Cup final, a celebration that was not met with the sort of backlash the USWNT has faced during its tournament run.
The United States will face the Netherlands in the final on Sunday in Lyon, France.
Donald Trump to Send Delegation of Women to USA's World Cup Final Match
Jul 3, 2019
President Donald Trump walks across the South Lawn as he arrives at the White House, Sunday, June 30, 2019, in Washington. Trump returns from a visit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea as well as the G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
President Donald Trump announced he will send a delegation of women to attend the 2019 Women's World Cup Final when the United States women's national team faces the Netherlands on Sunday.
Deputy Secretary of Commerce Karen Dunn Kelley will lead the delegation. She will be joined by Jamie D. McCourt, U.S. Ambassador to France and Monaco; Josephine K. Olsen, director of the Peace Corps; Seema Verma, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; Marie Royce, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs; Shauna Rohbock, U.S. Army National Guard and former pro soccer player; and Kelly Loeffler, CEO of Bakkt and co-owner of the WNBA's Atlanta Dream.
USWNT forward Megan Rapinoe drew the president's attention after she said "I'm not going to the f--king White House" in a video for Eight by Eight that surfaced last month when asked whether she'd attend if the team won the World Cup.
"We're not going to be invited," Rapinoe told David Hirshey. "[Trump] tries to avoid inviting a team that might decline. Or, like he did when the Warriors turned him down, he'll claim they hadn't been invited in the first place."
"Women’s soccer player, [Rapinoe], just stated that she is 'not going to the F...ing White House if we win.' Other than the NBA, which now refuses to call owners, owners (please explain that I just got Criminal Justice Reform passed, Black unemployment is at the lowest level...
....in our Country’s history, and the poverty index is also best number EVER), leagues and teams love coming to the White House. I am a big fan of the American Team, and Women’s Soccer, but Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job! We haven’t yet....
....invited Megan or the team, but I am now inviting the TEAM, win or lose. Megan should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her & the team. Be proud of the Flag that you wear. The USA is doing GREAT!"
Rapinoe was previously among the contingent of athletes who knelt during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality. She has also expressed her disdain for Trump's administration.
Teammate Ali Krieger came to the defense of Rapinoe, tweeting "I know women who you cannot control or grope anger you" in response to Trump.
The USWNT defeated England 2-1 to reach the final, while the Netherlands took down Sweden 1-0 in extra time of their semifinal matchup.
Megan Rapinoe Discusses Being American Ahead of 2019 Women's World Cup Final
Jul 3, 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 02: #15 Megan Rapinoe of USA thanks the fans after the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between England and USA at Stade de Lyon on July 02, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images)
An eventful week for Megan Rapinoe will culminate Sunday when she tries to win her second World Cup title as a member of the United States women's soccer team.
Speaking to the media Wednesday, Rapinoe addressed what it means to her to be an American and represent the country on a global stage:
"I think I am particularly American and very deeply American, if you want to talk about the ideals that we stand for and what we were founded on. I think I am extremely American.
"I think for the detractors, I would have them look and look hard on what I am actually saying [and] the actions I am doing. Maybe you don't agree with every single way that I do it or [what] gets discussed. I know I am not perfect.
"But I know I stand for honesty and for truth and for wanting to have the conversation. And for looking at the country honestly and saying, 'yes, we are a great country and there are so many things that are amazing and I feel very fortunate to be in this country.'
"I'd never be able to do this in a lot of other places. But also that doesn't mean we can't get better. That doesn't mean we shouldn't always strive to be better. I think this country was founded on a lot of great ideals, but it was also founded on slavery. And I think we just need to be really honest about that and be really open talking about that so we can reconcile that and hopefully move forward and make this country better for everyone."
In between scoring all four goals for the United States in victories over Spain in the round of 16 and France in the quarterfinals, Rapinoe drew the ire of President Donald Trump after a video was released in which she said she was "not going to the f--king White House" if the Americans win.
"Women's soccer player, [Megan Rapinoe], just stated that she is 'not going to the F...ing White House if we win.' Other than the NBA, which now refuses to call owners, owners (please explain that I just got Criminal Justice Reform passed, Black unemployment is at the lowest level in our Country's history, and the poverty index is also best number EVER), leagues and teams love coming to the White House.
"I am a big fan of the American Team, and Women's Soccer, but Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job! We haven't yet invited Megan or the team, but I am now inviting the TEAM, win or lose. Megan should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her & the team. Be proud of the Flag that you wear. The USA is doing GREAT!"
Even before her comments about the White House, Rapinoe used her voice and platform to show support for others.
The 33-year-old wrote for the Players' Tribune in 2016 about why she started kneeling during the national anthem prior to games:
"I haven't experienced over-policing, racial profiling, police brutality or the sight of a family member's body lying dead in the street. But I cannot stand idly by while there are people in this country who have had to deal with that kind of heartache.
"There is no perfect way to protest. I know that nothing I do will take away the pain of those families. But I feel in my heart it is right to continue to kneel during the national anthem, and I will do whatever I can to be part of the solution."
After U.S. Soccer adopted a policy in March 2017 that required all players to stand for the anthem, Rapinoe adjusted her method of protest by not singing and standing with her hands at her sides.
Rapinoe, who didn't play in the United States' 2-1 win over England in Tuesday's semifinal due to a hamstring injury, expects to be ready for Sunday's final.
Team USA will take on the winner of Wednesday's matchup between the Netherlands and Sweden.
Megan Rapinoe Expects to Play in 2019 Women's World Cup Final Despite Injury
Jul 2, 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 02: Megan Rapinoe of USA looks on prior the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between England and USA at Stade de Lyon on July 2, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
Megan Rapinoe missed the United States women's national team's 2-1 victory over England in the 2019 Women's World Cup as the result of a minor hamstring strain, according to Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl.
Rapinoe expects to be healthy when the USWNT returns to action in the final, which kicks off Sunday, with Mail Online's Sam McEvoy carrying quotes from the winger.
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"It's just a little minor strain," Rapinoe said. "It is day to day but I feel like I'll be ready for the final. It's hard, three days on the bounce with this old body.
"When you're on the bench you just need to be hype for the team, give those little tidbits but really just that energy; it helps so much."
Many fans were left scratching their heads when Christen Press started on the left wing for Rapinoe. Some questioned whether it was a tactical move by coach Jill Ellis or indicative of an injury for the 33-year-old.
Press made an immediate impact, scoring the United States' opening goal in the 10th minute.
Press' performance shows how much talent Ellis has at her disposal. Rapinoe is one of the USWNT's best playmakers and has five goals in the 2019 World Cup. Despite her absence, the U.S. beat thethird-bestcountry in the world on the biggest stage.
The United States will play either Sweden or the Netherlands in the final.
Having Rapinoe available would be a major boost, but Tuesday showed how strong the collective is for Ellis' squad.
