After the instant classic that was Wednesday’s (AEST) semi-final between the United States and England, the second semi-final 24 hours later proved to be no vintage encounter.
The Netherlands and Sweden were both cautious and defensively compact across 90 minutes.
Strong goalkeeping efforts at either end of the pitch ensured regulation time would end with neither side on the scoresheet.
That sent the encounter to extra-time, earning it the dubious distinction of being the first ever Women’s World Cup match to go the full 120.
Just as it seemed that penalties would be needed to separate the teams, a delightful strike from Manchester United’s Groenen after 99 minutes gave the Netherlands a slender advantage.
Try as Sweden might, they were unable to find an equaliser – sending the team out of the World Cup at the semi-final stage for the third time.
For the Dutch, meanwhile, Groenen’s goal was enough to secure them a match-up with the United States in Monday’s final.
Here’s what we learned in Lyon.
1. The Dutch make history
Four years ago, the Netherlands had just returned home from Canada with their heads held high after reaching the round of 16 at their first ever Women’s World Cup.
A mere 48 months after making their tournament debut, the Dutch are in the final.
It is an amazing rise for a team that has historically underperformed, despite Holland’s storied history in the men’s game.
The Oranje only made their debut appearance in a major tournament a decade ago, when they qualified for their first European Championship.
Now, they are just one win away from lifting the most significant trophy in world football.
“Obviously it is amazing to be playing in the finals,” Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman said.
“It is going to be difficult, but it’s one match – anything could happen.”
2. Netherlands’ attacking trident fail to fire
Ahead of this tournament, the Dutch attack was the talk of the town.
With a potent trident of Lieke Martens, Vivianne Miedema and Shanice van de Sanden, and added ammunition on the bench, it was expected that the Netherlands would bring goals to France.
When Holland put three past Australia in their pre-tournament friendly, the hype surrounding these fearsome forwards only grew.
But on Thursday, the Dutch front-line shot blanks.
Martens managed just the first-half, with an aggravation to her toe injury seeing her replaced by Jill Roord at the break.
Miedema was isolated up front and struggled to make an impact on the game.
Van de Sanden, meanwhile, was unexpectedly benched in favour of Lineth Beerensteyn, but was given a loud applause when she entered the pitch midway through the second half.
With their attacking supremos missing from action, it was midfielder Groenen that needed to step up.
With the final against the United States looming, the Dutch cannot afford another off-night from their attacking stars.
3. Unwanted goalkeepers star, continuing tournament trend
The goalkeeping throughout the 2019 Women’s World Cup has been top notch, with innumerable great saves and some player of the match performances.
That trend continued on Thursday, with Dutch custodian Sari van Veenendaal and Swedish counterpart Hedvig Lindahl both starring between the uprights.
Midway through the second half, van Veenendaal pulled off a superb diving save to tip Nilla Fischer’s shot onto the post.
Just minutes later, Lindahl also made use of the woodwork to deny a powerful Miedema header.
Lindahl kept Sweden in the game in extra-time with a daring save off her line, but could do little about Groenen’s winner.
The irony of the super shot-stopping performances at both ends was that each keeper is out of favour at club level.
Lindahl was released by Chelsea and remains club-less, while van Veenendaal recently left Arsenal and is yet to find a contract elsewhere.
After the duo’s respective performances in Lyon, their agents might have more than a few phone calls.
4. The United States won’t be quaking in their boots – but should they be concerned?
After sitting through these 120 dull minutes, the Americans are unlikely to be overly nervous ahead of Monday’s final.
The first semi-final was one for the ages, while this was a damp squib.
The Netherlands showed little in Lyon that suggested they will be able to overcome a USA team that had set the same stage alight with a scintillating performance.
But Holland’s defensive shape should give Jill Ellis cause for some concern.
The Dutch have been leaky in defence this tournament – conceding against Cameroon, Canada and Japan.
Yet on Thursday they were rock-solid, effectively marshalled by van Veenendaal throughout the 120 minutes.
The Americans can take some heart, though, from the fatigue-inducing nature of the second semi.
After playing their quarter-final in energy-sapping afternoon heat and then being made to go the distance against Sweden, will Holland have the legs to stand firm against the defending world champions?
5. Advantage England in the third place match, but Sweden have experience on their side
With an extra day’s rest and the impact of extra-time telling on their opponents, England will be favourites to claim bronze on Sunday.
After finishing third at the 2015 tournament, success in Nice would see the Lionesses defend their medal.
But Sweden have added experience – the Blagult have finished third twice before at the tournament.
"Now it’s about the medal," Swedish coach Peter Gerhardsson said after his team’s exit from the semi-final.
"Ending up third of course feels a lot better than ending up fourth. We’ll do everything in our power to try to do that.
"It’s not a lot of time to prepare. We’ll have to take a step back, have a look and come up with a game plan. It’s tough right now, but it will be nice to have another match.”
Kieran Pender is covering the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup for The World Game. Follow him on Twitter:
