Rapinoe named the tournament’s best player after grabbing game-winner in final.
Megan Rapinoe capped off an absolutely amazing Women’s World Cup by winning all three of the tournament’s most prestigious trophies. The biggest was obviously the winner’s gold medal, which she helped the United States secure by converting her 61st minute penalty that stood up as the game-winner.
The penalty also allowed her to win the tournament’s Golden Boot, awarded to the top scorer. She had six goals, which were actually tied for the most with both teammate Alex Morgan and England’s Ellen White. Her three assists were also tied with Morgan, but Rapinoe won the tiebreaker courtesy of having played fewer minutes. While Morgan played in all seven matches, Rapinoe was held out of the semifinals due to an injury.
The Golden Ball award, given to the tournament’s best player, is a bit more subjective. A FIFA committee draws up a short-list and then media members vote on the winner.
On that front, Rapinoe’s credentials are hard to ignore. In addition to being the co-leading scorer for the World Cup champions, she was also the off-the-field leader and its most outspoken player. No one drew more attention from the press or had more pressure applied on them than Rapinoe, something she seemed to welcome.
Rapinoe is scheduled to rejoin first-place Reign FC for their “Homecoming match” on July 28 at Cheney Stadium against the Chicago Red Stars.
