FIFA Women’s Worldcup: Holland beat Sweden 1-0, set up final against U.S

Jackie Groenen scored a 99th minute goal to take the Netherlands to their first World Cup yesterday. The goal against Sweden means that the Dutch will face the United States in the final of the competition this weekend in Lyon.

Netherlands were the clear favourites for the win, but the European champions were dragged beyond the regulation time by a Swede side desirous of getting the chance to contest for the trophy.

The match entered into extra after they finished 0-0 at the end of the regulation 90 minutes yesterday.

The match was a tight, defensive contest. The best chances came early in the second half when Sweden defender Nilla Fischer hit the post and Dutch forward Vivianne Miedema had her header tipped on to the bar shortly afterwards.

And when fans thought the teams were heading for penalties, Groenen struck to take the Dutch into Sunday’s final.

The 24-year-old misfielder, who has signed a pre-contract to join Manchester United in the newly-promoted Women’s Super League side, struck the ball cleanly from the edge of the box into the bottom left corner in the 99th minute.