USA vs Netherlands: Reigning champs take on dark horses

Both the USA and the Netherlands will be looking to make history as they lock horns in the FIFA Women’s World Cup final on Sunday.

For the Stars and Stripes, the no. 1 ranked team in the world are hoping to become the first team to win four World Cup titles. For the Oranje, the 2017 EURO winners will be seeking to become the first Dutch side – both male and female – to win a World Cup.

The men’s team notably finished as runners-up in 2010, and twice more in 1974 and 1978; they hold the dubious honor of being the team who’ve featured in the most finals but have yet to win the prize. Meanwhile, Sarina Wiegman’s squad are in only their second ever World Cup and thus are in the final for the very first time. It’s an amazing run for a team who eight years ago, didn’t even qualify for this tournament.

But before people start making comparisons between the Netherlands’ run and that of Croatia last year, it’s important to note that the Oranje are the reigning champions of Europe. That’s not something Croatia could lay claim to; in fact, they have never won any major title. And the Netherlands did not have to settle any of their matches on spot-kicks – whereas the Eastern European nation had to slog through 120 minutes of action and penalties against Denmark and Russia.

The Netherlands largely cruised through qualifiers, winning all three of their games against New Zealand (1-0), Cameroon (3-1), and Canada (2-1). Against Japan, they did find things tough at times, but then again, Japan did win the World Cup in 2011 and finished as runners-up in 2015. Were it not for a soft penalty given in the last minutes of regular time, the game would have gone to extra time – and that’s where things could have gotten interesting.

However, the Oranje really stepped up their game in the quarter-finals and after a tense tactical battle, were able to dispatch a very impressive Italian side. The Azzurre had been quite fantastic all tournament, but were eventually undone by two free-kicks and two headers from their opponents.

Sweden, who were really brimming with confidence after their stunning 2-1 win over tournament favorites Germany proved to be their toughest test yet. They’ve built their success on defensive solidarity and were clearly looking to push the game to penalties, but their defensive wall eventually crumbled as they conceded a goal in extra time.

Meanwhile, the USA have yet to lose a game so far, but things have gotten harder for the Stars and Stripes as they progressed. A 13-0 blow-out against Thailand – setting a World Cup record – was followed by two wins against Chile and Sweden without conceding a goal.

Spain, however, proved to be much tougher. For the first time, Jill Ellis’s side conceded a goal at this tournament. And more worryingly, the reigning champs needed two penalties to beat La Roja, which was the first time they had failed to score from open play.

The USA also survived a scare against France, who rallied back to cancel out a two goal lead through a header from Wendie Renard. France did have a good shout for a penalty which could have pulled the scores level, but surprisingly, things never went to VAR and the USA were able to hang on for another 2-1 victory.

Against England, though, they were really lucky. The Three Lionesses equalized, but saw it called off for a marginal offside. Then they were given a penalty, which skipper Steph Houghton failed to convert and that again allowed the Yanks to squeak by on the back of a 2-1 victory.

Star player Megan Rapinoe, who scored all four of the USA’s goals against France and Spain, missed the clash versus England due to a hamstring injury. She could be in doubt for this game, which would be a major blow for her side due to her influence. Meanwhile, the Netherlands could be missing Lieke Martens after she was subbed off due to a toe injury against Sweden.

So who will come out on top in this highly-anticipated final? Will reigning champions USA become only the second side after Germany to defend their title and make history?