She stood alone, the only woman in history to start in three consecutive Women's World Cup finals. With the score tied 0-0 and her teammates standing united at her back -- as they have been throughout this tournament -- Megan Rapinoe finished the job.
In the 61st minute of what had become another physically and emotionally grueling test for the Americans, Rapinoe sent a penalty kick past Netherlands goalkeeper Sari Van Veenendaahl and opened the scoring for the U.S. against the reigning European champions. As her teammates sprinted to engulf her in celebration, the U.S. captain walked calmly to the corner and slowly lifted her arms wide above her head in the iconic pose that has become symbolic of Rapinoe's unflappable conviction and uncanny ability to score goals in big moments.