The FIFA Womens World Cup 2019 final is upon us with the USA squad chasing their fourth star as the heavy favourite while the Netherlands are in search of their first star. This tactical analysis will look at the lineup decisions for both coaches. Also, the enormous challenge of avoiding an early deficit for the Netherlands, and how they could tactically win the World Cup.
Lineups
Netherlands (4-3-3)
Netherlands coach, Sarina Wiegman, has been consistent with her system of play for the entirety of the tournament. Wiegman is facing two important lineup decisions. The first decision concerns the health of forward Lieke Martens. Martens started the match against Sweden but was forced to be subbed off at the half. The highly decorated Barcelona player will likely get a chance to start. It would be a surprise if the 2017 FIFA Women’s Player of The Year winner and 2017 UEFA Women’s Euro Player of the Tournament is on the bench to start the match. Martens has likely earned the opportunity to start even if she isnt 100%.
The second decision for Wiegman is whether to start forward Shanice van de Sanden or Lineth Beerensteyn. Both players have featured in all six matches for the Netherlands. Beerensteyn got the start in the Sweden match while van de Sanden started the first five matches of the tournament. Beerensteyn has a goal and an assist in only 175 minutes played while van de Sanden has zero goals and one assist in 415 minutes. This is the only position unsettled due to performance heading into the final.
Look for van Veenendall to be in goal with a backline of van Lunteren, van der Gragt, Bloodworth, and van Dongen. The midfield will likely be van de Donk, Spitse, and the goalscorer versus Sweden, Groenen. The attacking trio is the most up for grabs but I think ultimately Wiegman will go with the experienced trio of Martens, Miedema, and van de Sanden.
USA (4-3-3)
Even though USA coach Jill Ellis has played every field player on the roster, the heavy minute contributors are well set. Similar to the Netherlands, the USA coach faces two critical lineup decisions. Both of the USA decisions are solely due to injuries and not performance.
The first is the health of forward Megan Rapinoe. She was the shock omission from the USA vs England match due to injury. Rapinoe has scored five goals and has two assists while playing in four of the six matches. Her replacement for the England match, Christen Press was sensational scoring in the 10th minute. Rapinoe will be the favourite to start if at full health, but if she cannot then Press is a more than suitable replacement. Christen Press has 122 caps and 49 international goals.
The second lineup decision facing Ellis centres on the health of Rose Lavelle. Lavelle has started five matches and is a key player in the USA buildup. The entire tournament, the toughest lineup decision for Ellis has been in midfield. Ellis has juggled Lindsey Horan and Samantha Mewis in midfield as Lavelle and Julie Ertz have been mainstays for the other two midfield positions. If Lavelle is not cleared to play, look for Horan and Mewis to join Ertz in the USA midfield lineup.
My predicted lineup is Alyssa Naeher in goal with a back line of Kelley O’Hara, Abby Dahlkemper, Becky Sauerbrunn, and Crystal Dunn. The midfield trio of Horan, Mewis, and Ertz. The forward line of Tobin Heath, Alex Morgan, and Megan Rapinoe.
The Biggest Netherlands Challenge
The biggest challenge for the Netherlands is not conceding early. The USA team has scored early in every single match. They have scored in the 12th, 11th, 3rd, 7th, 5th, and 10th minutes. That is six matches with the latest they have scored was the 12th minute versus Thailand in a match that ended 13-0. The USA has dominated the tournament because they have always been ahead early. Score and time have been advantage USA in every match.
In the USA vs England game, we see the USA squad come out with their typical aggression and intensity. Below we see England with a great transition moment early in the game. The ball carrier is facing forward with two runners attacking the high USA backline.
Instead of a ball into space, the pass is played into feet. A dangerous situation for England is converted quickly into an attack for the USA team. Dahlkemper intercepts the pass and finds Lavelle in wide open space.
The USA
