Fifa Women's World Cup final: Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle fire United States to 2-0 win over Netherlands

Fourth time in eight tournaments that the US have lifted the winners' trophy

The United States have won the Fifa Women's World Cup for the fourth time after triumphing 2-0 against the Netherlands in Lyon on Sunday night.

The US had to be patient against the Dutch with the breakthrough coming in the 60th minute when Megan Rapinoe scored from the penalty spot after Alex Morgan had been felled in the box by Stefanie van de Gragt.

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The penalty was given using VAR and broke the spirited rearguard of the European champions.

A second goal nine minutes later from Rose Lavelle sealed things for the US as they retained their title from 2015. It is the first time they have won back-to-back World Cups, having previously won it in 1991 and 1999.

Rapinoe told the BBC post-match: "It's just ridiculous! We're crazy, that's what makes us special."

She added that she credited her team's success, with the US winning all seven games they played in the tournament, down to the spirit in the squad.

"It's unbelievable just to know all of the people in our group have put in so much work," she said. "We have all our friends and family here, it is surreal."

Of fellow scorer Lavelle, she said: "She has just been missing that little bit all tournament and for her to get that reward tonight on the biggest stage, I'm so proud of her. She's a straight up superstar."

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Megan Rapinoe, who scored the opening goal for the US, lifts the Fifa Women's World Cup. AP Photo