The United States and Netherlands will contest the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup final on Sunday, a fitting game that pits the holders against the reigning European champions.
The big thing for the United States is the fitness of Megan Rapinoe after she was left out of the semi-final win over England as a precaution for a hamstring strain. The belief is that she will be available to return. Rapinoe scored all four U.S. goals in the wins over Spain and France.
Elsewhere, Sam Mewis will be hoping to regain her place amid strong and healthy competition in midfield. If Mewis does return, it could be Lindsey Horan who drops to the bench, with Julie Ertz and Rose Lavelle both starting every knockout game.
Going to extra-time and playing their semi-final a day later will have a physical impact on the Netherlands and rest and recovery will be so important in their preparations. A toe injury forced Lieke Martens out of the Sweden clash at half-time. She is hoping to be fit, but is prepared to give up her place if she is anything less than 100%. Otherwise, the team appears to pick itself after being largely settled in the knockout rounds.
Wide forward Lineth Beerensteyn could keep her place ahead of Shanice van de Sanden, dropped for the semi final after a disappointing tournament.
This was always going to be a tough game for the Netherlands, but a day less rest from the semi-finals and playing an additional half hour to get here will make it even tougher, putting the United States as firm favourites to lift the trophy.
That being said, there are defensive weaknesses in the U.S. side that England in particular threatened to blow open. The Dutch have some of the most talented attacking players in the world, if they are all fit and firing, and could expose those weaknesses given the chance.
That being said, there are defensive weaknesses in the U.S. side that England in particular threatened to blow open. The Dutch have some of the most talented attacking players in the world, if they are all fit and firing, and could expose those weaknesses given the chance.
The Americans obviously have plenty of firepower of their own, though, and whether the Dutch will be able to sufficiently keep them out to get ahead and stay ahead is another matter.
