Heading into the match it was uncertain if some of the top players on both teams would be able to play. But when the starting lineups were announced the players in question of Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle for the United States and Lieke Martens for the Netherlands were all starting.
Many predicted the United States winning this game by three or four goals and would roll to their fourth title with no problem. The Netherlands were looked at as inexperienced since this was only their second World Cup appearance and first ever finals appearance.
Entering the game the USA had scored a goal in the first 13 minutes of each of their games so far. If the Netherlands could weather the initial storm and not fall to an early goal then perhaps they could put the USA in panic mode and score first.
The USA came out swinging and had high pressure offense on the Netherlands. The Dutch defense proved they were up to the task blocking shots and clearly out any chance the USA had. Perhaps the biggest reason the USA stayed out of the back of the net was because of the Netherlands’ goalkeeper, Sar van Veenendaal, the eventual Gold Glove winner. van Veenedaal made save after save and some from point blank range. None better than her stop on Julie Ertz in the 38th minute.
The Netherlands would go on to blank the USA in the first half for the first time all tournament. The 0-0 scoreline was no surprise for the Netherlands who had been tied at halftime in every one of their previous matches and then gone on to win. However would the Dutch be able to keep the USA at bay for a full 90 minutes?
The first half did provide a physical first half that had ramifications for the rest of the game including a head-to-head collision between Kelley O’Hara and Lieke Martens. O’Hara was subbed out right after halftime with concussion symptoms and Martens was subbed out of the game in the 70th minute. Martens did have a toe injury entering the game but the collision had to be a factor as well.
The second half started with the USA in the attack for the majority of the time with the Dutch finding counter attacks here and there. It felt like a goal was going to be scored before the referee would signal the game was over at 90 minutes. Either the USA would finally be able to finish a shot from one of their buildups or the Dutch would get a goal on a breakaway.
The pressure from the USA was at least forcing the Netherlands to play defense too close to goal and create multiple chances inside the box. The Dutch’s desire to just clear the ball out got to be too much when a ball in intended for USA forward, Alex Morgan, seemed like a potential goal scoring opportunity. Stefanie van der Gragt of the Netherlands stuck her foot out to try and knock the ball away, but she swung her leg too high and hit the shoulder of Morgan knocking her to the ground. Initially the referee signaled a corner kick since Morgan is known for not being the most physical player and falling to the ground quite often. But she was informed to re-look at the play and go to VAR. Would it really be a final game without VAR interference?
The referee looked at the play and deemed it warranted a yellow card and more consequentially a penalty kick. Megan Rapinoe stepped up to take the penalty kick. She shot a ball into the right side of the net, not hit extremely well, but van Veenendaal guessed the wrong way and the USA were up 1-0. The goal would be the sixth of the tournament for Rapinoe, and with her three assists she was awarded the Gold Boot for most goals at the WWC.
The Netherlands lost a little bit in their play after the goal happened even with plenty of time left in the game. Once the USA can tell a team is doubting themselves they find a way to strike. The Dutch were giving the USA way too much space and Rose Lavelle took advantage of it weaving in and out of traffic from the half way line into the offensive box. She played the ball to her own left foot and hit a ball into the corner of the goal. Putting the USA up 2-0.
Instead of bunkering into defense early like they had against France and England the USA kept pressure up not giving the Dutch too many chances. The Netherlands were resilient in their play and other than the minutes between the two goals they did not looked overly matched or inferior to the United States.
Unfortunately, the Dutch were never able to get a goal of their own losing the game 2-0. An obvious disappointing finish since they were not the team to lift the trophy, but what they accomplished should not be overlooked or diminished from this game. They are the defending European Champions, they made the WWC Final for the first time, they have qualified for the Olympics for the first time in their history and their second place finish is tied for the best the Dutch men’s side has ever finished even with more funding and support for a longer period of time.
When asked about the impact from getting second place at the WWC for women’s soccer in the Netherlands their head coach, Sarina Wiegman, said, “I hope this shows everyone in the Netherlands what the potential women’s football has and that we can improve our competition… Hopefully this achievement helps in developing the competition and also the youth development for younger girls.” To think that this already impressive World Cup run by the Netherlands could have been even better with more support from their federation is hard to even fathom what the result would be, but perhaps it could have resulted in the Dutch winning the trophy over the USA.
The USA was the best team at the Women’s World Cup and deserved the trophy. They won back-to-back World Cup titles and their fourth title overall. There have only been eight Women’s World Cup tournaments and the USA have half of the championships showing their domination in women’s soccer. The team was criticized for the lackluster games entering the tournament, poor defense and their arrogance on the field with their celebrations. But at the end of the tournament they proved that none of that mattered and the USA are still the best team in the world.
The US team has stated that this World Cup has been different from the last and even more challenging. Head coach, Jill Ellis added to that after the game saying,
“The level overall is the women’s game is growing exponentially. This was incredibly difficult. The teams we had to come through were some of the best in the world. In terms of the path and the level, this was pretty challenging.
“I knew after 2016 we had to deconstruct and reconstruct the team. That was hard. But to get to this point and see the validation in all our work, it speaks for itself. People out there know about 1/10th of what we do. Congratulations to the Netherlands. They’re a world class team and they gave us a heck of a game tonight.”
The USA had to step up their level of play because the rest of the World has stepped up their play as well. With the quality in women’s soccer rising hopefully federations and countries can see what the women’s game can do at the next World Cup and even the 2020 Olympics.
Women’s World Cup Awards
Gold Ball: (best player): Megan Rapinoe USA
SIlver Ball: Lucy Bronze ENG
Bronze Ball: Rose Lavelle USA
Golden Boot (most goals): Megan Rapinoe USA
Silver Boot: Alex Morgan USA
Bronze Boot: Ellen White ENG
Golden Glove (best goalkeeper): Sari van Veenendaal NED
Young Player Award: Giulia Gwinn GER
Fair Play Award (team with least amount of fouls): France