LYON, France — The Women’s World Cup final is set: the United States will face the Netherlands after the Dutch defeated Sweden, 1-0, in extra time in the tournament’s second semifinal on Wednesday.
Midfielder Jackie Groenen scored the winning goal on a low, hard shot from outside the penalty area nine minutes into the first extra-time period.
The Dutch, the reigning European champion, will be playing in the World Cup final for the first time. The United States, the defending champion, will be trying to win a record fourth world championship.
The Netherlands is part of a wave of European countries who have made rapid advances in women’s soccer. It qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 2015, advancing to the round of 16.
Four years later, the Dutch will play for the title. But they will do so on one fewer day of rest than the United States, and after an extra half-hour of play.
Source : NYtimes
