Americans will be able to watch their beloved U.S. Women's National Team take the pitch on Friday at 12:30 p.m. ET on live TV through ESPN2 and TUDN USA. The game will also be available on stream through the TUDN app and website.
The game on Friday will mark the ninth meeting between the two nations, with the Stars and Stripes holding a 7-1-0 advantage in the series. Of the eight meetings, the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup Final in France on July 7, 2019. The USA lifted the World Cup trophy after a 2-0 win on goals from forward Megan Rapinoe and midfielder Rose Lavelle.
The coaching situation is very different than the one in France a year ago. Former USWNT head coach Jill Ellis stepped down shortly after the World Cup and Vlatko Andonovski took her place. Since then, Andonovski has done nothing but lead his team to victory as he enters this friendly 10-0-0. The upcoming game against the Netherlands will be his sixth game against an opponent ranked in the top-13 in the world.
As for Sarina Wiegman, this game will be one of her last. The 51-year-old Dutchwoman will join the English national team in September 2021, succeeding Phil Neville. Wiegman's last big tournament will be the Tokyo Olympics and this upcoming game against the USWNT will prove to be important for her preparations.
The Netherlands vs. USWNT: Players to watch
The No. 1 USWNT and No. 4 the Netherlands will come into this matchup boasting two of the most powerful squads in the globe. USA's squad consists of a mix of players who play in European leagues and the NWSL, while all the Dutch players compete in their home continent. Unfortunately, the likes of Vivianne Miedema and Lindsey Horan will be out for the game. These are the players that you should keep an eye out for on Friday.
The return of Alex Morgan
Forward Alex Morgan had one goal when she was pregnant with her daughter Charlie: to be back and running for the 2020 Olympics. However, the competition was moved to 2021, and she just returned to action with her new club Tottenham Hotspur in early November. Nonetheless, the 31-year-old could become the 12th player to appear for the USWNT after becoming a mother if she takes the field on Friday.
Mewis sisters – Sam & Kristie
Sisters Kristie and Sam Mewis had not been on the U.S. Women's National Team roster at the same time since the 2014 Algarve Cup, but times have changed. Kristie is coming off a productive stint with the Houston Dash, helping her team to win the NWSL Challenge Cup and to a runner-up finish in the NWSL Fall Series. On the other hand, Sam made her big move to Manchester City during the offseason and has lived up to expectation. Despite the team not being up to par with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal, Sam has been one of its best performers.
Sari van Veenendaal
The reigning FIFA Women's World Cup Golden Glove recipient will captain the Netherlands once again as she did in France in 2019. The 30-year-old returned to the Netherlands in 2020 to play for PSV after stints with Arsenal and Atletico Madrid. Van Veenendaal might not win a consecutive The Best FIFA Women's Goalkeeper, but Friday's game can turn out to be the beginning of another big journey for her as the Olympics are just around the corner.
Arsenal girls – Jill Roord & Danielle van de Donk
Arsenal Midfielders Jill Roord and Danielle Van de Donk have enjoyed an early start of the FA Women's Super League. Arsenal is the team with the most goals, scoring 30 after just seven games. Despite Miedema being the league's top scorer, Roord is the second top scorer and has the highest goal per 90 minutes average with a 2.01. On the other hand, Van de Donk has had a quiet season. The 29-year-old will aim for a good performance deep in the midfield against a star-studded USA team.
How and when to watch the Netherlands vs. USWNT live on TV or stream
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