Netherlands beat Sweden in hard-fought World Cup semi-final but will have much to do to overcome USA

As second semi-final of the Women’s World Cup trudged forlornly into extra time on Wednesday evening, there was the sense that rather than sipping tea from imaginary bone china, Alex Morgan and her American teammates were probably licking their lips at the prospect of facing either Sweden or the Netherlands in the final on Sunday.

And how must Phil Neville have been feeling 24 hours after his side’s epic defeat to the reigning world champions in Lyon? Wistful, one imagines. His heart’s desire, and how well he expressed it all tournament, was to have as a semi-final rival the all-conquering Americans, for of course to be the best you’ve got to beat the best.

But perhaps he will be more careful what he wishes for in future as the Lionesses would undoubtedly have had a better chance of reaching their first showpiece final by going toe to toe with either the Swedes or the Dutch, who did little to set the pulses racing. There wasn’t even any controversial VAR action to get excited about.

The full 90 minutes passed and there were a couple of shots, a couple of blocks and a couple of saves. Oh the woodwork saved both teams.

Read more: Bitter disappointment for England and a trademark World Cup exit – but much for Phil Neville’s side to be proud of

In the 54th minute a ball into the Dutch box was punched clear by Sari van Deenendaal, with the ball falling to Nilla Fischer who struck it back across the goal, only to see the ball bounce off the inside of the left post after a touch from the keeper and roll inches past two on-coming attackers. Agonising for the Scandinavians. But the Dutch were clutching their own heads in frustration moments later, when a corner was lifted in towards Arsenal stiker Vivianne Miedema. Her powerful header seemed destined for the net but keeper Hadvig Lindahl got her fingertips to it and pushed it onto the bar.

Orange army go bananas

Then, in extra-time, something very important happened. There was a goal. Scored by the Netherlands. And then the Orange army went bananas. It proved to be the winner and it was a lovely strike.

There was lots of one-touch passing from the Dutch which opened up the space for Jackie Groenen. Groenen struck it so well from the edge of the box that Lindahl had no chance whatsoever. It was enough for the Dutch, who now face the might of the USA in the final. They will need a huge performance to overcome the overwhelming favourites.