Football

USWNT vs Netherlands player ratings: Horan-inspired comeback saves America’s unbeaten run

In a repeat of the 2019 World Cup final USWNT and the Netherlands clashed in an epic group-stage battle. The Americans saw their 10-game winning streak at World Cups coming to an end in this match. However, they extended their impressive unbeaten run at World Cups to 27 consecutive games (W25 D2). The USWNT vs Netherlands clash ended 1-1, which was a somewhat deserved outcome. Here are our USWNT vs Netherlands player ratings.

USWNT vs Netherlands player ratings
(Photo by Baptiste Fernandez/Icon Sport)
  • Jill Roord put the Netherlands ahead with their first attacking approach of the match.
  • The Dutch ladies take the fight to the USWNT with their physicality and aggression in every duel.
  • USWNT rallied and dominated the entire second half. Horan’s header brought a logical equaliser. Not enough clear chances created after that prevented the World champions from winning.

USWNT Player Ratings: despite quiet strikers found a way to save a draw

GK Alyssa Naeher 5/10 – Faced just 1 shot on target in this match. She failed to save it. Didn’t have much to do all the second half.

DF Emily Fox 6/10 – Fox had problems dealing with the threat from her zone. She also didn’t contribute enough in the attack.

DF Julie Ertz 7/10 – Lacked pace and her advanced age exposed her a few times. Her experience helped her to recover every time though. She also blocked several shots.

DF Naomi Girma 7/10 – Very solid and completely neutralised one of the Dutch strikers she was personally guarding.

DF Crystal Dunn 6/10 – The full-back made the bad mistake that led to the opening goal. She recovered after that and was solid for the rest of the match.

MF Savannah DeMelo 5/10 – Played only one half. Struggled with the physicality she faced. She was the most fouled player on the pitch before the interval. This prevented her from having much of an impact.

MF Andi Sullivan 4/10 Committed a crucial mistake for the opening goal. Never recovered her composure after that. Failed to slow down the Dutch midfielders all match.

MF Lindsey Horan 8/10 – The captain looked lethargic before a series of rough tackles woke her up. Once, in a fight mode Horan was unplayable. Her header brought the equaliser and she remained a major threat for the rest of the game after that.

FW Trinity Rodman 6/10 – Played well early on. She was the best striker throughout the first half. Got visibly tired past the hour though and had little impact.

FW Alex Morgan 6/10 – Morgan held the ball well and worked hard. On all that she never saw a big chance coming her way in this game.

USA vs Ned 1 scaled
Photo : Bildbyran / Icon Sport

FW Sophia Smith 6/10 – The hero from the first game Smith had a very quiet first half. Played better after the interval and twice her crosses created good chances. Never had a sniff at goal herself.

Substitutes 

MF Rose Lavelle 7/10 – Introduced at halftime and she did what she was expected to do. Her energy turned the tide and helped the Americans to finally start dominating in midfield. She also provided the assist for the equaliser.

Netherlands Player Ratings: took the fight to the Americans without any fear

GK Daphne van Domselaar 7/10 – She was under pressure for most of the match. Stayed alert and solid at collecting crosses. Had to make only 2 saves in the end and was not at fault for the goal that was conceded.

DF Stephanie van der Gragt 6/10 – She played only one half. Her aggression in tackles was a bit too much at times. Walked a tightrope several times. Did well in the air where she won every 50-50 ball.

DF Sherida Spitse 7/10 – Very solid in the heart of the defence all match. Neutralised Morgan well. Had countless interceptions and blocked shots.

DF Dominique Janssen 8/10 – Even better defensively. Her ability to sniff out dangers was unmatched. Discouraged Smith. Also, made 2 goal-saving tackles in the second half.

MF Jill Roord 8/10 – The Man City playmaker scored the early goal. She played well all game. Passed the ball well. Joined the attack when she could. Helped the back 3 a lot too.

DF Danielle van de Donk 7/10 – Her physical presence unsettled the Americans. She also passed and crossed the ball very well all match. A few times her solo runs nearly caused serious havoc too.

MF Jackie Groenen 6/10 – Had problems dealing with runners behind her back all second half. Also, had the worst passing accuracy of all Dutch midfielders.

MF Esmee Brugts 7/10 – Solid in her defensive duties on the left flank. Also, tried to be helpful in the attack and several times her crosses created havoc.

MF Victoria Pelova 8/10 – Pelova dominated the right flank all match. She assisted Roord for the opener. Created 2 of the 3 other big chances for her team too. Defensively worked very hard for her teammates.

FW Katja Snoeijs 5/10 – Largely anonymous in this match. Didn’t move off the ball well. Struggled to hold it and never registered a shot attempt.

FW Lieke Martens 7/10 – The only Dutch striker causing problems with her runs. Engaged 2-3 defenders most of the time. Placed 2 headers close but off target.

Substitutes 

DF Aniek Nouwen 6/10 – Came on at halftime and was very busy. Did well at times but made 2 bad mistakes past the hour and was lucky not to see those punished.

The other 3 substitutes were made inside the final 20 minutes, so there was no time for those players to be ranked.

Player of the Match: Lindsey Horan

Captain Horan scored in a second consecutive match since the tournament started. She was key for the inspiring second-half USWNT comeback in this match. Scored the only goal for her team too. Horan has been a true leader so far and she continues to be the most aggressive midfielder of the entire tournament with her constant forays forward and clever use of pockets of space.

Could Horan be leading the USWNT towards a hat-trick of World Cup titles?


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