Sari van Veenendaal: Who is Netherlands goalkeeper playing vs United States in Women’s World Cup final

The goalkeeper was named player of the match despite a 2-0 defeat to the US

Sari van Veenendaal has emerged as one of the stars of the 2019 Women’s World Cup.

The goalkeeper, who is out of contract with Arsenal this summer, has been a rock at the back for the Netherlands, recording three shutouts and conceding just three goals in six matches in France.

Remarkably, it was not even clear if the 29-year-old would be a regular first-team pick in France, as she battled to convince manager Sarina Wiegman to hand her the number one shirt ahead of 33-year-old Göteborg stopper Loes Geurts, who has won 123 caps for the national side.

But she managed to convince Wiegman to award her the starting spot and has excelled ever since, particularly in the 2-1 Round of 16 victory over Japan.

With the score locked at 1-1, Japan’s Yuka Momiki found herself with space in the box and fired a low shot towards goal. She immediately turned to celebrate, only to see Van Veenendaal springing to her side, clawing her shot away from goal. Lieke Martens then scored a late penalty to send the Dutch through.

She shone again in the World Cup final, making a string of impressive saves as the Netherlands succumbed to a 2-0 defeat by the United States. Despite their loss, she was still named player of the match by Fifa.

This is not the first time that Van Veenendaal, who captains the national side in Sunday’s final, has shone at an international tournament.

In 2017, she started all six matches as the Netherlands won Euro 2017 on home soil, with her consistent performances earning her a place in the Best XI of the tournament.,

She plays her club football for Arsenal, having moved to the club from FC Twente in 2015.