Advantage USWNT? Netherlands missing key star ahead of clash with the USA | OneFootball

The USWNT will close out an incredible year this Tuesday, December 3, against the Netherlands at ADO Den Haag Stadium in The Hague. Coming off a scoreless draw with England, the Americans aim to cap off a triumphant year that included winning their fifth Olympic gold medal in Paris and an impressive 19-match unbeaten streak.

On the other side, the Netherlands, especially at home, should prove a worthy opponent. With a mix of senior players and emerging talents in their squad, the Dutch showed both strength and versatility in equal measure. So what can we expect from this team?

How is the Dutch team shaping up?

Under head coach Andries Jonker, this Dutch team has spent the year rebuilding, blending seasoned veterans with promising young stars who already are making their mark. Coming into Tuesday's clash, the team is riding on the momentum of a 4-1 victory over China last Friday in Rotterdam. Such a game showed the response ability of the Dutch squad as they came from an early deficit to dominate that match.

Standout players include Sherida Spitse, who remains the heartbeat of this team, being the captain and most capped player in Dutch women's soccer history with 237 caps, leading on and off the pitch. Alongside her, the likes of Danielle van de Donk, Jackie Groenen, and Jill Roord bring creativity and consistency to the midfield.

Rising stars take center stage

Besides the core of experienced veterans, young talents lean for the Netherlands to make any difference. Esmee Brugts, only 21 years of age, has already made a statement on the European stage playing for Barcelona, contributing much in their UEFA Women's Champions League title last season. Having netted 10 goals in 38 appearances for the national team, she has become an immediate threat upfront.

Another emerging player to watch is Wieke Kaptein, who also found the back of the net against China. These young players represent the future of Dutch soccer but have already shown enough maturity to impact high-stakes matches like Tuesday's.

Absence of Miedema and its impact

One of the Netherlands' biggest stars, Vivianne Miedema, remains sidelined with a knee injury. With 95 goals in 115 caps, Miedema's absence is a significant blow. But the Dutch have managed to adapt. Lineth Beerensteyn and Jill Roord have taken on much of the offensive responsibility, while players like Brugts and Romée Leuchter add depth to the attack.

Without their all-time leading scorer, the Netherlands has shown the ability to create opportunities and be dangerous against any opponent.

Ties between USWNT and the Netherlands

Another aspect that will make this match interesting is how connected these two teams are in terms of club soccer. USWNT's Lindsey Horan plays with van de Donk and Damaris Egurrola at Lyon. At Paris Saint-Germain, Groenen is a teammate of American Korbin Albert. The fast-rising US star, Lily Yohannes, also plays at Ajax with Spitse and others from the Netherlands. Such connections bring a degree of familiarity to the competition.

Lily Yohannes' journey to the USWNT

One of the standout stories for the USWNT in 2024 has been Lily Yohannes. Although born in the U.S., she moved to the Netherlands with her family at age 10 and chose to represent the United States. Yohannes has quickly made a name for herself, breaking records, scoring key goals, and emerging as one of the team's most exciting prospects at just 17 years old. Playing in The Hague, where she grew up, will no doubt be one of the moments to come in her blossoming career.