NED-W vs USA-W Dream11 : We have reached the concluding stages of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 where the defending Champions USA come face to face with the Netherlands.
Both teams have won 6 consecutive games in the grand tournament and now look to break the other team’s winning streak. The States have scored an insane 24 goals in the World Cup compared to Sweden’s 11, which seems like a more realistic number.
Both these teams have faced each other only once before, in a friendly in September, 2016. The side from North America came on top in that game, winning 3-1. The US have a habit of striking early in the game, with the opening goal coming within 15 minutes in all their games. The Dutch defence has been extremely impressive with the likes of Dominique Bloodworth and Anouk Dekker accumulating some of the highest points for defenders in the tournament. If it comes down to the American attack vs the Dutch defence, then so be it.
Formation: 3-5-2
Some players in this fixture are better suited than others, the likes of which have played at a grand stage like the World Cup final before, and hence picking them is safer bet.
Goakeeper for NED-W vs USA-W Dream11
Alyssa Naeher: The goalkeeper for the US national team, Alyssa earned her well deserved starting spot in the World Cup. She’s been absolutely phenomenal in the world cup keeping 3 clean sheets and conceding only 3 goals. She was also clutch against England in the previous game when she stopped a late penalty from Houghton that could’ve brought them level. While both first choice goalkeepers have been great in the competition, Narher is one of the best in the world and is a safer bet for this game.
Defenders for NED-W vs USA-W Dream11
Abby Dahlkemper: She’s the captain without the armband for USA and leads the backline playing in the heart of defence. Dahlkemper has played all games for USA in the WC and has kept clean sheets in the first three. She’s also given 3 key passes in that time. It is not easy to get past her with the level of speed, strength and intelligence she has.
Crystal Dunn: Despite having an injury scare before the World Cup, Crystal Dunn has played phenomenally in the competition. Starting at the left side of a back 4. She’s known for her athletic nature, sliding across the pitch to intercept through balls and passes. She’s super quick on the ball and likes to move her way upwards to cross into the box.
Merel van Dongen: I’ve selected Holland Left back van Dongen as my final pick. She’s started 4 out of 6 matches for Netherlands but has been featured in all matches. Dongen is quite popular for her ability to put her body on the line to block shots and tackle. She’s made more clearances than amy defender in the two finalists teams combined, but has been unfortunate to not register any assists despite having a great crossing technique.
Midfielders for NED-W vs USA-W Dream11
Sherida Spitse: Spitse plays central midfield for Holland, and has been one of their best players in this bout. She is their most creative participant and has 4 assists to her name to account for that claim. On top of that, she also has 8 additional key passes and has created several goal creating opportunities. USA will have to play a quick, athletic CM like Julie Hertz to neutralise the effect Spitse has on the game.
Daniëlle van de Donk: A much more traditional number 10, de Donk is not used in that role though. She plays a role similar to that of USA’s Lindsey Horan, starting in the centre of midfield and pulling strings from there. She acts as a Deep Lying Playmaker and has created 6 goal scoring chances in the tournament. She’ll be extremely threatening against a high line American defence.
Jill Roord: A very talented wide midfielder, Roord is used a super sub for Netherlands and has been very crucial coming in and controlling the tempo of the game. The Bayern Munich midfielder scored the 92nd minute winner against New Zealand in the opening game of the group stage. She’s very skillful and will come in handy against USA, who have a tough time dealing with quick substitutes.
Lindsey Horan: A very similar player to van de Donk, Horan has been acting as a Regista for USA. She was however benched and then shifted to more traditional CM role to include Julie Havertz in the crucial stages of the competition. Horan has 2 goals And an assist to her name in this edition of the Cup.
Forwards for NED-W vs USA-W Dream11
Vivianne Miedema: Inarguably the best player for Netherlands in this tournament, Miedema has 3 goals to her name in 6 games. She has the vision of a playmaker and has given 8 kay passes in the tournament. The Arsenal striker loves finding space between defenders in the box and tucking it home. Her strength helps her dictate headers with ease, with 2 out of 3 goals coming from headers. The US defence had a hard time tracking Ellen White in the previous game and if they manage to give Miedema that amount of space, a lot of damage will be done.
Megan Rapinoe(VC): Playing as a left winger for USA, Rapinoe has arguably been the best player in the tournament. She’s played 16 World Cup games and has been directly involved in 14 goals. She’s been absolutely unplayable for anyone and has 5 goals and 2 assists in only 4 starts for her team. She’s made a crazy 14 goal scoring opportunities from the wing, including crosses, through balls and long passes. Megan Rapinoe can do it all, and is the best contender for the Golden Ball.
Alex Morgan(C): The best player in the world, Alex Morgan is the most clutch player, arguably ever. She has been performing consistently at a very high level since the start of her career and has shown why she will probably retire as the G.O.A.T. in this World Cup. Her direct contributions in this World Cup include 6 goals and 3 assists. She scored 5 in the first game against Thailand and didn’t score again until the Semi Finals on her 30th Birthday. She’s an icon in Women’s Football and will make her mark, yet again, on the biggest stage tonight.
