The Netherlands Already Has Won By Reaching The 2019 Women's World Cup Final

The rapid rise of women's soccer in the Netherlands is a heart-warming story. Combined with a perception of its red, white and blue opponent as arrogant, it surely makes the Dutch the people's choice globally in the Women's World Cup Final in Lyon, France, on Sunday.

As recently as 12 years ago, the nation's young female prodigies had to play on boys' teams, what with minimal opportunities there for girls. There were no pros on the women's side.

Two World Cups ago, the Netherlands was nowhere to be found in the bracket. At the latest one, it was ousted during the Round of 16.

Look at the Dutch now. They plundered the Euro title in 2017 and have won a dozen consecutive matches in major tourneys. Three-fourths of their World Cup roster compete in prestigious leagues in Germany, England, Spain and others.

As much as they would welcome the trophy, there is an undercurrent of we're-just-happy-to-be-here with Sunday's match. Thursday's semifinal win was followed by a team party. (There were no reports of a similar celebration by the U.S. after its victory.) Defender Stefanie van Der Gragt was quoted in The New York Times saying, "Everyone dreams of playing the final. But we did not come here expecting to be in it."

To the Dutch's advantage, the team will not be burdened by pressure on Sunday. Their work in France already has been deemed a success. In contrast, the tournament will be labeled a bust for the U.S. without a championship.

Yet the Americans, who have outscored foes 157-32 during a 47-2 run on the international stage, own a considerable edge in talent that will be evident from the get-go.

In tandem with that, an attitude criticized as haughty and behavior regarded as boorish have created a sense of us-against-the-world that could serve the favorites well in Lyon. Gifted teams across the sports spectrum often manufacture a means to motivate them, and that is the case here.

Any outcome can happen in soccer, a sport that breeds upsets by nature of its low scoring.

But the U.S. appears to be building up to a grand finale. The "people" should prepare for disappointment.