By Harry Awurumibe
It took a 99th minute long range shot by J. Groenen to beat Sweden goalkeeper, H. Lindahl and handed the Netherlands a 1-0 win over Sweden and their dream final ticket of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. It is the first time Netherlands will reach this stage of the global football competition in their history.
Groenen had run onto a loose ball just outside the Sweden box and unleashed a right-footed shot across Lindahl and into the bottom-left corner of the goalpost. Thus the Netherlands got their much needed goal and a place in the final of the 8th edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup billed for Stade de Lyon on July 2019.
Both the Netherlands and Sweden could not score any goal in the regulation time hence the 30 minutes extra time and it was the Dutch team that carried the day and set up a big clash against the defending champions, United States of America (USA) , the only none European team in the final four.
The Americans themselves only on Tuesday defeated hard fighting England Three Lionesses 2-1 to qualify for their third consecutive final of the global football fiesta and a showdown with the Netherlands.
On paper this match-up looks like a no-contest for the USA, three-time winners of the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy and an experienced side. But Sunday, July 7 will determine which of the two countries will lift the coveted cup in Lyon.
