USWNT vs Netherlands: Re-match of 2019 final loading
On Wednesday, the USWNT and the Netherlands will face off on matchday two of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. For the first time in competition history, the two finalists from the previous edition will meet up in the group stages, with this game expected to ultimately decide who tops Group E. Both teams come into this contest having won their respective games, with the USWNT easing to a 3-0 win over Vietnam while the Netherlands battled to a gritty 1-0 result over Portugal.
Interestingly, both the Stars and Stripes and the Oranje opened their respective campaigns against debutants. Vietnam and Portugal are one of eight teams making their first ever appearance at a Women’s World Cup this summer. Meanwhile, both the USWNT and the Netherlands, despite being the heavy favorites in each clash, had to work a lot harder than expected. Against Vietnam, USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski opted to field a younger line-up, with eight of the USWNT’s 14 new faces getting some game-time in that clash.
Alex Morgan fluffs her lines…but youngster Sophia Smith comes to the rescue
Veteran striker Alex Morgan surprisingly failed to convert from 12 yards out, but it ultimately mattered little as newcomer Sophia Smith, widely regarded as a huge prospect for the future, turned out to be the star of the evening. Smith was directly involved in all three of her team’s goals, netting a brace and chipping in with an assist to help the reigning World Cup champions secure all three points and help them to get off the mark.
In Group E’s other match, the Netherlands faced Portugal, with veteran defender Stefanie van der Gragt’s goal early in the first half enough to settle proceedings. Despite out-shooting their opponents by 12 to 2, Andries Jonker’s side were unable to add more to their total as they are clearly missing the presence of all-time top goal-scorer Vivianne Miedema in this competition. Unfortunately for the Oranje, Miedema suffered an ACL injury late last year that has ruled her out for the long haul, including this ongoing World Cup.
Revenge on the Netherlands’ minds ahead of World Cup reunion
Four years ago, the Netherlands, who were featuring in their second ever World Cup, were beaten 2-0 by the USWNT thanks to goals from Rose Lavelle and Megan Rapinoe. Revenge will be firmly on their minds ahead of this game, but the Netherlands’ historic record against the USA isn’t exactly promising. Wednesday’s meeting will be the 11th all-time clash between these sides, and to date, the USWNT have lost just once – a 4-3 defeat in the two sides’ inaugural meeting in 1991. Since then, the Stars and Stripes have won eight and drawn the other of their ensuing nine ties, so it will be very interesting to see if that record still stands after Wednesday’s game.
This World Cup has already seen some surprise results, with Jamaica pulling off an impressive draw against France, and the Philippines making history as they beat New Zealand (who themselves had previously made history by defeating Norway). Will Wednesday’s game prove to be another unexpected result, or will the USWNT, who are chasing their fifth title, secure a spot in the round of 16 with a game to spare?
