Women’s World Cup: Dutch duo disappointed after losing final to USA

The Netherlands fell to defeat in their first ever Women’s World Cup final as two second-half goals from the USA saw them triumph for the fourth time.

Despite being the only team in the tournament to stop USA going ahead in the first half, the Netherlands were ultimately outclassed as the quality of their opponents shone through in the second 45 minutes.

The Netherlands had just one shot on target in the final and will no doubt regret showing the USA too much respect and not attacking like they did at the Euros in 2017.

Dutch striker van de Sanden, who plays her club football for Lyon, spoke after the match:

“Of course I’m disappointed, but of course we know how good USA is. We were close and it was 0-0 at half time, we were playing well. Of course, we are disappointed, but we will move on to the next one.

“Yeah we did really good but after the penalty, they keep going and that’s how they won the game. We had a tough tournament, but tough stuff makes you stronger.

“I am very proud of the team and myself because we are now second in the world and have a silver medal.”

Considering this is just the second World Cup that the Netherlands have qualified for, it is certainly a remarkable achievement for them to finish second behind the best team in the world.

Dutch midfielder Desiree van Lunteren gave her thoughts on how the match transpired:

“Everyone on the field is a good player, but you have to be assured and then you give them no chances but sometimes it is possible, sometimes it is not.”

“Yeah they got a penalty and they score the penalty but there is still enough time for us to score a goal. Unfortunately, that was not possible, and then when they scored another, you don’t want to say it’s over but is 2-0. 

“I can not see the penalty, from my position I would say no, but I don’t see it very well.”