After the United States lifted the title in Lyon, Goal picks out the best XI of players from this summer's competition
GettyGK | Sari van Veenendaal
After making two superb and crucial saves in the Netherlands’ 1-0 extra time win over Sweden in the semi-finals, Sari van Veenendaal secured the Golden Glove prize at the Women’s World Cup by making eight in the final against the United States.
Her incredible save percentage of 82.14 from 28 shots faced proved hugely important as the Oranje upset the odds to reach the final, and her saves kept them in that game, too, before the USA emerged 2-0 winners.
The 29-year-old left Arsenal at the end of the season but her superb performances in France will certainly not leave her short of suitors this summer.
AdvertisementRB | Lucy Bronze
Phil Neville has called Lucy Bronze the best player in the world for most of his spell in charge of England, and she showed just why this summer – winning the Silver Ball in the process.
The 27-year-old won 15 of her 17 tackles at the tournament and 17 of her 27 aerial duels, but also proved a huge asset going forward – creating nine chances, providing two assists and scoring once from right-back.
Bronze’s performance against Norway in the quarter-finals was a particular highlight, in which she supplied a contender for goal of the tournament with her thunderous strike from the edge of the box.
GettyCB | Abby Dahlkemper
Abby Dahlkemper was a crucial cog in the American winning machine that charged to World Cup glory this summer, providing the United States with solid, reliable and error-free performances that allowed them to ship just three goals in seven games.
With her centre-back partner Becky Sauerbrunn having a few shaky moments, Dahlkemper proved even more important, particularly in games such as those against France and England when Jill Ellis’ side found themselves under sustained pressure.
Cool under pressure, tactically aware and rarely out-muscled, the 26-year-old had a truly fine tournament.
GettyCB | Dominique Bloodworth
Many would expect the Netherlands’ attackers to have been the stars of their unlikely run to the final, but their success was more down to grit and teamwork and few embodied that better than Dominique Bloodworth.
The defender excelled at centre-back, winning 10 of her 15 tackles and 10 of her 13 aerial duels while also showing the technical ability that makes her such a fantastic holding midfielder as well.
Her versatility saw her moved to left-back for the final and even that didn’t stop her from putting in a solid display, with the 24-year-old heading to new club Wolfsburg off the back of a stellar tournament.