USA Women vs Netherlands Women – Match preview, live stream, kick-off time, prediction, team news, lineups
It’ll be one of the biggest games of the World Cup group stages as USA face the Netherlands in Wellington – a rematch of the 2019 Women’s World Cup.
The US won their opening game with a 3-0 win over Vietnam, whilst the Dutch managed to edge out Portugal.
- Group E: USA vs Netherlands (02:00, Wellington) – BBC One
Match preview
USA World Cup campaign
The five-time world champions began their 2023 World Cup campaign with a dominant 3-0 triumph against Vietnam. Sophia Smith displayed her brilliance, scoring twice in the first half, providing her team a comfortable two-goal lead at halftime. In the 77th minute, Lindsey Horan found the back of the net, securing all three points for her side.
This victory adds to the USA’s impressive streak of 10 consecutive wins, during which they scored an impressive 24 goals and conceded only twice. Moreover, their overall World Cup record has been exceptional, with 14 wins and 1 draw in their last 15 World Cup games since their loss to Japan in the 2011 final, which was decided on penalties.
Looking ahead, the USA will enter Thursday’s match with great confidence, considering they have lost only one out of their 25 group-stage matches in previous World Cup finals. Their fine form and impressive track record make them strong contenders going forward.
Netherlands World Cup campaign
Stephanie van der Gragt’s 13th-minute goal propelled the Netherlands to a slim victory over Portugal, kickstarting their campaign on a positive note.
With three consecutive wins under their belt, the Netherlands now face a formidable challenge against the reigning champions. The Dutch team has encountered the USA twice since their 2-0 loss in the 2019 World Cup final.
First, they suffered a defeat in a friendly match in November 2020, and then they put up a strong fight against the USA in the quarter-finals at the Tokyo Olympics, which ultimately resulted in a penalty-shootout loss.
Despite the upcoming tough test on Thursday, the Netherlands can take solace in their scoring ability. They have found the net in six out of seven group games at previous World Cup finals, giving them confidence that they can trouble the scorers even in challenging matchups.
Team News
After getting off to a winning start, USA boss Vlatko Andonovski is expected to name an unchanged lineup for Matchday Two.
Portland Thorns midfielder Horan picked up a booking in the win over Vietnam, leaving her one yellow card away from a suspension.
Alex Morgan was unable to convert from the penalty spot in the first half of Saturday’s encounter, but she will have another chance to open her account when she leads the line on Thursday.
As for their opponents, Netherlands boss Andries Jonker may also opt for consistency and name an unchanged starting XI.
Daphne van Domselaar will be tested in goal, and she will be shielded by the back three of Sherida Spitse, Dominique Janssen and Van der Gragt.
After scoring 11 goals in 21 Serie A appearances for Juventus last term, Lineth Beerensteyn will look to bring her club form onto the international stage when she features in the forward line alongside Lieke Martens.
USA Women possible starting lineup:
Naeher; Fox, Ertz, Girma, Dunn; Demelo, Sullivan, Horan; Rodman, Smith, Morgan
Netherlands Women possible starting lineup:
Van Domselaar; Spitse, Van der Gragt, Janssen; Pelova, Roord, Groenen, Van de Donk, Brugts; Beerensteyn, Martens
WTX Sport predicts USA 2-3 Netherlands
This’ll be a tough game, both teams are strong contenders to go far in the competition. We think they’ll be lots of goals in this game but the Netherlands will come out on top.
