USA and Dutch approach World Cup final rematch with new vulnerabilities

The Americans and the Netherlands were on top of the world in 2019. But both teams have had struggles since their meeting in Lyon four years ago

For nine months, players and coaches from the United States and the Netherlands have deflected questions about the impending rematch of the 2019 World Cup final. For nine months, they stressed that each team had a group stage match to play before they met, and that they would approach the tournament one game at a time.

Now, the moment has arrived, and there is no getting around it: Thursday's match in Wellington is likely to decide the group winner and, with it, the pathway if the teams are to return to the final. This is the game the teams - and fans around the world - have been anticipating since the World Cup draw in October.