Dutch fully fired up for final twist by USA attitude
IT would be a denouement befitting a tournament which has re-defined women’s football if the Netherlands can defeat the all-powerful United States in Lyon today.
The Oranje Leeuwinnen’s supporters have illuminated the event, painting each of the cities where they have played the signature colour of Dutch football. They did not reach their first World Cup until 2015, yet have been in the ascendancy ever since — reaching the last 16 back then before winning the 2017 European Championships on home soil. A celebratory cruise through Amsterdam’s canals is planned on Tuesday, if they can win.
They have some serious threats in the form of attacking trident Lieke Martens, Arsenal’s Vivianne Miedema and Shanice van de Sanden.
Martens, a winger named FIFA Player of the Year in 2017, is struggling with a toe injury sustained in the 1-0 semi-final win over Sweden. Miedema, 22, is the one to watch. She is already her nation’s all-time leading scorer.
But the Dutch defence has looked vulnerable, even against Cameroon, and fatigue seemed to be telling against the Swedes. They will be up against a USA side with the totemic Megan Rapinoe recovered from the hamstring injury which kept her out against England in the semi-final.
Netherlands midfielder Danielle van de Donk has said she thinks the USA team are arrogant.
‘They’re basically already congratulating us on finishing in second place,’ she said. ‘I love it. Let them say what they want to say.
‘The final is a game like any other: it will start at 0-0 and there are still at least 90 minutes to play.
‘We’ll show them on the pitch how much we want to win that World Cup. Let’s talk afterwards!’
England felt the USA were over-confident, too. Self-belief does not seem to be doing the reigning champions too much damage.
Despite oozing confidence, USA head coach Jill Ellis is wary of the Dutch threat.
‘The Netherlands are a tremendous team, they’re European champions and they’ve got a lot of talented players,’ admitted Ellis.
‘They move the ball very well, they’re very disciplined in what they do.’