The USWNT are closing in on a record fourth Women’s World Cup win, but the Dutch have become used to defying expectations
The Netherlands go into their first ever Women’s World Cup final as the only thing standing between the USA and a record fourth title.
Jill Ellis’ side have been as imperious as ever at this tournament and, having swatted France and England aside, will line up for the final with their usual well-earned confidence.
But while the Dutch have rarely been at their best this summer, they boast a catalogue of stars of their own. If they hit their stride, the European champions are fully capable of upsetting the odds.
| Game | United States vs Netherlands |
| Date | Sunday, July 7 |
| Time | 4:00pm BST / 11:00am ET |
| Stream (US) | fubo TV (7-day free trial) |
In the United States (US), the game can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (7-day free trial) .
New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.
| US TV channel | Online stream |
|---|---|
| Telemundo / FOX | fubo TV (7-day free trial) |
In the United Kingdom (UK), the game will be broadcast on BBC One and can be streamed via the BBC iPlayer or BBC Sport Live.
| UK TV channel | Online stream |
|---|---|
| BBC One | BBC iPlayer / BBC Sport Live |
| Position | USA squad |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Naeher, Harris, Franch. |
| Defenders | Dunn, Krieger, Sauerbrunn, O’Hara, Dahlkemper, Davidson, Sonnett. |
| Midfielders | Long, Lavelle, Ertz, Horan, Mewis, Brian. |
| Forwards | Morgan, Rapinoe, Lloyd, Pugh, Heath, Press, McDonald. |
Megan Rapinoe’s omission from the starting XI against England caused a stir but she returns for the final, though Christen Press is unlucky to miss out after her impressive showing in the semi-final.
Alex Morgan leads the line needing just one goal to add the Golden Boot to her collection following England forward Ellen White’s disallowed effort against Sweden yesterday.
Confirmed USA starting XI: Naeher, O’Hara, Dahlkemper, Sauerbrunn, Dunn, Mewis, Ertz, Lavelle, Heath, Morgan, Rapinoe.
Netherlands boss Sarina Wiegman had decisions to make out wide with Lieke Martens not fully fit and other options misfiring.
Martens won the Golden Ball when the Dutch won Euro 2017 but the Barcelona winger picked up an injury in the last-16 win over Japan, but she is in the starting XI for the decider.
Lineth Beerensteyn keeps her spot after starting in the semi-final, meaning Shanice van de Sanden stays on bench.
Confirmed Netherlands starting XI: Van Veenendaal, Van Lunteren, Dekker, Van der Gragt, Bloodworth, Groenen, Van de Donk, Spitse, Beerensteyn, Miedema, Martens.
The USA are 4/9 favourites to win this match with Bet365 . The Netherlands can be backed at 6/1 while a draw is available at 7/2.
Click here to see all of bet 365’s offers for the game, including goalscoring markets, correct score predictions and more.
The United States know that nothing other than a win is acceptable. That is simply the reality of being the world’s best team – and it is that high standard that fuels them, matching those ambitions with success more often than not.
No side yet has had an answer to their high-octane, high-pressing game, with co-captain Carli Lloyd – more than 100 goals in almost 300 appearances – generally starting from the bench as a show of their strength in depth.
They rarely feel the need to change their style to accommodate an opponent, but Jill Ellis is wary of what she sees as a typically Dutch side.
“They like the ball and they want to have the ball,” she said. We’ve seen that other teams want us to have the ball so they can create more of a transition game.
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“They’ll look to play in front of you and around, and they’re excellent in their positioning.
“It’s the 4-3-3 of the Dutch, it’s what they live and breathe. They’ve probably seen it since they were five years old.”
Stopping Rapinoe – or replacement Christen Press – down the left wing will be crucial to the Netherlands’ chances but for them, the match is likely to be won or lost in midfield.
New Manchester United signing Jackie Groenen provided the thrust and the finish to tip them over the line against Sweden in the semis, while Danielle van de Donk’s link-up play with Arsenal team-mate and star forward Vivianne Miedema is key.
With their dangerous wingers either unfit or misfiring, Miedema has to be on top form. With three goals in the tournament so far, she will be a threat both from open play and Sherida Spitse’s dangerous set pieces.
Boss Sarina Wiegman admits her side are up against it, but doesn’t think they will buckle in the face of the likely early onslaught from the U.S..
“We’re the underdog. I’m fine with that,” she said. “They have a lot of confidence, won many tournaments and [have been] at the top level for a long time.
“The chances of us going behind are big. We will need to be very focused and sharp, especially for the first 15 minutes.”