USA vs Netherlands: Where to watch the FIFA Women's World Cup final live on July 7

Topics: TV Schedules, Netherlands, USWNT, USA, 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup

The 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup final is now upon us, and reigning champs USA will look to defend their title against the Netherlands, who are aiming to make history.

How they got to the final: USA vs Netherlands

The USA set a record at this tournament in their group stage opener by humiliating Thailand 13-0, with star striker Alex Morgan grabbing five goals in that rout. Although they didn't totally blitz debutants Chile in their second match due to the strong showing of Chile's goalkeeper, the Stars and Stripes still earned a well-deserved 3-0 victory to set themselves up nicely to top their quartet. In their final match, they defeated Sweden 2-0 to ensure they finished as group winners, and more important, completed their group stage campaign sans conceding a goal.

Although Spain managed to end the USA's shut-out streak in the round of 16, a brace from Megan Rapinoe was sufficient to dispatch La Roja - albeit it marked the first time Jill Ellis's squad were unable to score from open play (both Rapinoe's goals came from the spot). The reigning champions' next two games were by far their toughest yet, with hosts France coming up in the round of 16. Rapinoe was again the heroine on the night with another brace, but Les Bleues proved to be a stern test as they nearly clawed their way back into the match after towering defender Wendie Renard halved the deficit with less than ten minutes remaining.

Still, Rapinoe's brace proved to be the deciding factor - just as it had against Spain - and the USA were able to hang on to secure their place in the semi-finals. If fans thought the USA vs. France clash was entertaining, the battle between the Stars and Stripes and England was not short of drama from start to finish. A red card, a missed penalty, and a goal cancelled due to a narrow off-side call were all part of the 90 minutes of action, and it was a roller-coaster ride for the USA throughout. Morgan made history as the first player to score on her birthday following Christen Press's opener, but Ellen White, who is also battling for the coveted Golden Boot prize was unfortunate to see her equalizing goal called off after a VAR review.

All in all, it's not been the smoothest of sailing for the reigning champions, who will now face tricky Netherlands in what should be a highly entertaining final. Like the USA, the Oranje finished their group stage campaign with a 100 per cent winning record, beating New Zealand (1-0), Cameroon (3-1), and Canada (2-1).

They did find things tough in the round of 16, as they were pitted against 2015 World Cup runners-up Japan. In fact, were it not for a very soft penalty, the match would have gone to extra time. Italy also proved to be tough opponents, but ultimately, Sarina Wiegman's ladies were able to break down the Azzurre via two headers coming off a free-kick to win that game 2-0.

Fatigue could be a factor for the 2017 EURO winners as their semi-finals match against Sweden went to extra time; however, thanks to a late goal from Jackie Groenen ultimately broke the Scandinavian's defensive resistance and ensured that the Oranje will be featuring in the finals at what is only their second ever World Cup appearance.

Team news: USA vs Netherlands

USA: Megan Rapinoe missed out on her team's clash against England due to a reported hamstring issue, and she could be in doubt for the final on Sunday.

Netherlands: Meanwhile, midfielder Lieke Martens had to be subbed off at half-time against Sweden due to a toe injury, and could potentially miss this game if she doesn't recover in time.

Match facts and stats: USA vs Netherlands

The USA are looking to become the first team to win four Women's World Cup titles...
...as well as the first side since Germany (2003 and 2007) to successfully defend their crown
The Netherlands are in the finals for the first time in the nation's history...
...and should they win they will become the first senior team to win a World Cup (the men's side best result was runners-up in 1974, 1978, and 2010)
This will be the first non-friendly meeting between the USA and the Netherlands
Prior to this, the Stars and Stripes have won both of their friendly encounters by a score-line of 3-1