Martens and Van der Gragt, World Cup runners-up

The Dutch FC Barcelona players Lieke Martens and Stefanie van der Gragt were unable to write a new chapter in history, as the Netherlands fell 2-0 to the United States in Sunday’s World Cup final. The US won the World Cup for the fourth time. The two Barça players started the final and, despite losing, end the tournament with personal success: Martens, with seven appearances and one goal: and Van der Gragt, with five appearances and one goal.

United States held scoreless in first half

The United States dominated possession early, but the Netherlands still managed to keep the game scoreless, while the USWNT were kept off the board in the opening 12 minutes for the first time in this World Cup. The US had five chances in the first half, to one for Holland.

United States breaks through

It wasn’t until the hour mark that the Americans took the lead, following a VAR-validated penalty committed on Alex Morgan, that Megan Rapinoe calmly converted. Then, just nine minutes later, Rose Lavelle scored to double the USA lead.

Martens was subbed off in the 70th, and the Dutch side were held in check the rest of the way, as the US cruised to another World title. Martens and Van der Gragt had already made history, though, helping the Netherlands to the final in their second ever World Cup appearance.