FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: How the USWNT recovered a point from a resilient Netherlands – tactical analysis

In a highly significant World Cup clash — one that treated viewers to a rematch of the 2019 Womens World Cup Final — the USA and the Netherlands faced each other. This was a game that can be divided into two distinct halves.

Despite missing star forward Vivianne Miedema, the Netherlands showcased their strength and resilience, putting up a strong performance that nearly led to a victory against the defending champions, the USA. The match ended in a draw, demonstrating the competitive nature of both teams and the high level of football on display.

For the USWNT, their impressive World Cup winning streak, spanning 13 games, came to an end in this hard-fought encounter. This tactical analysis will look at the tactics deployed by both sides which played a pivotal part in determining how the match played out. We will analyse how the Netherlands excelled with distinction in the first half before the USA displayed their quality and champion mentality to come back in the second.

Lineups

USA (4-3-3, right to left): Alyssa Naeher (GK) — Crystal Dunn, Naomi Girma, Julie Ertz, Emily Fox — Lindsey Horan, Andi Sullivan, Savannah DeMelo — Sophia Smith, Alex Morgan, Trinity Rodman.

Netherlands (3-1-4-2, right to left): Daphne van Domselaar (GK) — Ajax player Sherida Spitse, Stefanie van der Gragt, Dominique Janssen — Manchester Citys Jill Roord — Victoria Pelova, Jackie Groenen, Danielle van de Donk, Esmee Brugts — Everton player Katja Snoeijs, Lieke Martens.

Netherlands — A solid first half

The Netherlands started the game with their well-known 3-5-2 structure and showed great enthusiasm with and without the ball from the very beginning. In the defensive phases, they played aggressively, applying high pressure to the USA, who usually build their game with a 4-1 or 4-2 base.