The Dutch dominated the USWNT in the opening half, finding plenty of joy down the right wing, and opened the scoring after 15 minutes. Viral Burman Header Despite only having one shot on target in the first half, the USWNT grabbed a fortunate equalizer in the 44th minute through Berman’s own goal. But Hayes’ halftime substitution tipped the balance back in the USWNT’s favor as he introduced Emily Sonnet and Williams.
We got another glimpse in Nahar’s final match Lily Johannes‘ Incredible ability. 17-year-old Yohannes was given a chance in the 66th minute. announced Her allegiance to the USWNT rather than the Netherlands last month — and she played a role in Williams’ winner just five minutes later.
For Hayes, that meant he ended his first year in charge of the USWNT with a 15-match unbeaten run, a run that included 13 wins. That included an incredible gold medal at the Paris Olympics in August, and on the final two-match tour that saw the American sport. England And in the Netherlands, Hayes tested the depth of the squad but still managed a 0-0 draw against the Lionesses and a 2-1 victory against the Dutch on a bitterly cold night. — Tom Hamilton
Naeher shows what the USWNT will miss.
Jab Nahar made his debut in December 2014 against the USWNT. Argentinahe probably never imagined ending his illustrious international career in torrential rain on a freezing night in the Dutch capital. The Dutch team presented him with a bouquet of flowers before the match, in recognition of his impressive record of being part of two USWNT World Cup winning teams, essential to his 2024 Olympic gold, and the 2021 Also a bronze medal. She finished with 69 shutouts, and even finished 17th in that year’s Ballon d’Or voting.
So it was hardly a case of her going out the door — and she proved she would be sorely missed after a string of brilliant first-half saves kept her side in the match. The Dutch should have scored three or four at the break, but Naher’s shot stopping and positioning were a key reason why the teams were level at 1-1.
The best canal stops were closed. Daniel van de Donk Both in the half and as the Dutchman toyed down the USWNT’s left, it was his commanding presence that helped keep his opposition at bay. He will be missed. Ideas for his successor can wait; It was Nahar’s night as the USWNT bid farewell to a legendary goalkeeper. — Hamilton
Hayes cleans up the early strategy mess.
As is often the case in sports, Tuesday’s win was a tale of two halves.
In the first, the USWNT were tactically overwhelmed in a formation that was just that. Sam Coffey And Corbin Albert Stopping yourself in the heart of the eleventh. In what often looked like a 4-2-4 going forward, Hayes’ set-up was extremely vulnerable to the quick counters that Holland threw in with numbers in support.
With Nahar’s performance in net and the opposition’s goal luck, the USWNT was then able to regroup in the second half with a greater midfield presence. As seen by the total of five substitutions made in the 67th minute, Hayes was able to significantly rework their strategy and pack the middle of the pitch, while also moving into a back three.
That stifled the Netherlands, and with suddenly more momentum for the U.S., Williams’ winner sparked a second-half resurgence.
What Hayes is blessed with is the depth of talent that can clean up situations like this, but if Holland had been more clinical in the first half, or if someone hadn’t had a lucky own goal, Williams’ lone effort wouldn’t have been enough. . On a different night. — Cesar Hernandez
Johannes makes her mark.
It took just 10 minutes for Yohannes to make his mark in a USWNT shirt in June when he scored against South Korea In his first film. But since then, she has been at the center of a very public tug-of-war between the Netherlands and the US over her services.
The US has been respectful, allowing him to have his time and space, while the Dutch have adopted a slightly more public-appealing aggressiveness to choose from. Leo Winan. He is considered one of the best young midfielders in the world and, to the delight of Hayes and his teammates, chose the USWNT.
The Dutch did little to hide their disappointment — Dutch coach Andries Jonker said it would have saved her “a lot of work” if she had said from the start she wanted to play for the U.S. There are very few Baptists. The one she had on Tuesday evening, wearing the white of America on a patch of grass just 34 miles from where she plays her club soccer in Ajax.
He got his chance in the 66th minute, when he replaced Lindsay Horan – stepping into Future’s shoes, to an overall positive reception from the partisan crowd. And he made his mark just five minutes later, as it was his superbly weighted header. Yazmin Ryan into space for Williams to score the team’s second. He got some boos late, but that was reassuring. — Hamilton
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Krieger predicts ‘huge’ USWNT future for Lily Johannes.
Speaking in September, Ali Krieger praised 17-year-old Lily Johannes and predicted she would have a bright future.
The Netherlands is feeling Medema’s absence.
The Netherlands are once again without an international break. Vivian Medema. gave Manchester City With the attacker ruled out with a knee injury, Jonker was left with a crucial question: Who will step up to score for the Oranje?
During the previous European Championship qualifiers, Miedema scored in one of the two games he played. Lynette Berenstein Was the only other player to find the back of the net in the qualifiers, scoring just three of four goals in six matches. Historically, the Dutch team has been outstanding in front of goal, but without Medema, the difference is clear. A striker who scored 96 goals in 120 internationals is hard to replace.
In recent matches against the USWNT, the Netherlands created seven chances but scored only once. Despite scoring seven times in the first half, the Dutch could not capitalize on their chances to take the lead.
Jill Roward There is another player to watch the goal. After recovering from an ACL injury, Roord is gradually regaining her form, but has yet to reach the goalscoring heights she once did. Despite several good chances against the US, Roode failed to find the back of the net.
The first goal for the Netherlands came from Bowerman, who is on loan. PSV Eindhoven from Chelsea. The young attacker was given the opportunity to start against one of the toughest teams in the world. Jonker replaced him as captain. Sherida Speightsand Buurman rose to the challenge. He showed his set piece ability, and his performance showed potential. Perhaps Oranje have found their Virgil van Dijk in Berman – another star of the future in the making. — Sjors Grol
Who stepped up for the Dutch without Johannes?
The Dutch are in the process of rejuvenating their squad, and Yohannes would certainly add value to the transfer. But the midfield has held up well in his absence. Dutch fans probably noticed the energy surrounding Johannes’ arrival on the pitch, with cheers from both Dutch and American supporters.
In a remarkable decision, Jonker selected Berman over captain Spätse in the starting line-up. That wasn’t the only change, though — the 19-year-old Wieke Kaptein Given a chance in the midfield. Both players justified Joker’s faith in them with strong performances against the world’s No.1 team.
The Dutch team is preparing for UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 with a mix of experienced stars and emerging talent. Kaptein, in particular, impressed with his maturity on the ball and his defensive skills. She was often abused by the Americans, a testament to her growing influence in the game. Playing for Chelsea has sharpened her defensive game in recent months, and she proved she can handle the pressure of facing some of the best players in the world.
Although Borman scored an unfortunate goal, he held his ground against the Americans’ top attackers. Dutch fans will be relieved to know that Berman does not hold dual citizenship, ensuring his commitment to the national team. — Growl
Defensive questions on full display for the USWNT
While much of the initial criticism should be directed at Hayes’ early tactics, the players themselves should also examine the defensive weaknesses that existed.
In midfield, Albert was sometimes left isolated in the starting formation, but that should not excuse the number of moments in which she looked a step behind during a long list of counters in the first half. Looking at the backline, Gina Nightswanger He did not cover himself in glory. As the weak link of the XI, the left wing struggled to close down the runs that the Netherlands found themselves in through midfield.
Possibly troubled by the situation at hand, other defenders such as Emily Fox And Naomi Garma Didn’t do badly but looked a bit off his game in the early stages.
The good news is that the USWNT was able to solve its problems by bringing out Nighswonger and switching to a back three, but surviving that first wave of pressure meant the team needed a strong performance from Naeher.
But with Nahar no longer in the picture going forward and questions about who is next between the sticks, the US may not be able to afford to make the same defensive mistakes going forward. As for Hayes, that also means some extra work with fixing the backline. — Hernandez