Wellington hosted what was a repeat of the 2019 World Cup final between the USA and the Netherlands. There was a lot at stake- most importantly a guaranteed place in round 16- as the US sought to repeat their successes of four years ago in the Women’s World Cup final in France, when they defeated the Netherlands by two goals to nil. It was a historic day for US Soccer, confirming their second consecutive World Cup triumph and fourth in total.
The atmosphere was electric hours before the game even started- it was reminiscent of the final four years ago at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais in Lyon. The stadium was filled with fans hours before kickoff, all of those who had travelled miles to watch this clash of titans. Those supporting The Stars and Stripes made the most noise- in fact, thousands made their way to the stadium in a raucous march organized by ‘The American Outlaws’- an unofficial supporters’ group for the United States men’s and women’s national team.
Both teams had something to prove at the Wellington Regional Stadium. For the USA, it was a chance to silence those critics that had questioned the team’s concerning lack of attacking ruthlessness and prowess. For the Netherlands, it was a chance to prove they can still compete with the best and to get one over the team that on so many occasions has crushed their hopes of winning a trophy- as well as being defeated in the World Cup final in 2019, the Dutch also lost at the hands of Andonvoski’s team at the Olympics at the quarterfinal stage.
The Dutch were here to spoil the USWNT’s ‘three-peat’ party. After the Andonovski’s side dominated the first fifteen minutes, the ‘Oranje’ launched a lethal counterattack, which saw them opening the scoring on the 17-minute mark. After breaking at pace down the right-hand side, Crystal Dunn failed to clear a low cross. After recovering possession, midfielder Victoria Pelova fed Roord who on the edge of the box, produced a beautifully placed strike which nestled in the bottom left corner of the goal.
There was almost an instant reply from Trinity Rodman who after intercepting a pass just outside the area, fired off bending shot with her left foot which was spectacularly saved by the Dutch keeper Daphne van Domselaar.
The goal was a big mental blow for the Andonovski’s players wo struggled to find their rhythm for the rest of the first half. Virtually all the attacking output came from the wings, with Sophia Smith the only player offering a tangible threat going forward. Just like against Vietnam, her pace, athleticism and trickery made her a real handful for the Netherlands’ defense. The team’s dependence on her creativity was clear to see. She occasionally swapped positions with Alex Morgan, with the latter drifting out wide. It had very little to no effect though in the first half. The buoyant enthusiasm of the noisy US fans behind the Netherlands’ goal- the closest thing Ultras seen at this tournament- was quicky dampened. They were drowned out by the thousands of Dutch fans. With the US losing 0-2 at the break, they had plenty of work to do in the second half.
Leading by example
Rose Lavelle was called upon in the second half, coming on for Savannah DeMelo in central midfield. Her energy and creativity were an instant boost for the team. In fact, it was precisely Lavelle that provided the assist for the USA’s opening goal: a cross which was headed in by captain Horan in minute 62- her second of the tournament.
The goal changed the game completely. The attacking floodgates opened, and US peppered the Dutch goal. Andonovski’s team continued to push for the winner. A Rodman shot went narrowly from an acute angle went narrowly wide of the target in the 82nd minute before a half-volley attempt whistled past the post.
In the end, the draw was a fair result. It was a cagey game but nonetheless a good contest. Both teams will be happy with the point- a point which practically guarantees their passage to the knock-out rounds.
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