In only their second ever appearance at the Women’s World Cup, the Netherlands have advanced to the final with a 1-0 semifinal victory over Sweden on WED 03 JUL 2019. Jackie GROENEN scored the winner in extra time.

The first ninety minutes were ruled by the defenses, with few good looks at goal at either end. Both goalkeepers were also up to the challenge. In the 56th minute, Nilla FISCHER looked to have beaten Dutch goalkeeper Sari VAN VEENENDAAL at the far post, but at full stretch, van Veenendaal got her fingertips to the ball and pushed it onto the post. Not long afterward, Vivianne MIEDEMA headed a corner in on goal, only to see Sweden keeper Hedvig LINDAHL tip it off the crossbar.

The match then went to extra time, and the Oranje finally found the breakthrough in the 99th minute. Miedema redirected a through ball from Danielle VAN DE DONK neatly onto the foot of Groenen, who struck from just outside the area past Lindahl.

The Netherlands will face the United States in Sunday’s final in Lyon. Sweden will contest the third place match against England on Saturday in Nice.