Rapinoe fuses politics and pay to World Cup win

LYON, France - A Women's World Cup stirred by heated debates on politics, pay and technology saw the narratives fused in Sunday's final by the undisputed and outspoken star of the tournament: Megan Rapinoe of Team USA.

By opening the scoring with a penalty awarded after a video review, Rapinoe claimed a sixth goal and - thanks to three assists and playing fewer minutes - finished as the Golden Boot winner of the most-watched championship in the history of the FIFA women's tournament.

Winning the top player prize provided the pink-haired captain renowned for her individuality and activism with a platform for both after the Americans completed their title defense with a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands.