Defender Dominique Bloodworth knows she will end up making half of her family disappointed if Holland can get the better of the United States and win the Women’s World Cup for the first time on Sunday.
The 24-year-old, who signed for Wolfsburg after leaving Arsenal at the end of the FA Women’s Super League season, is married to Brandon, who served in the American military.
Her husband, whom she met in London while playing for the Gunners, has travelled out to France, while the defender’s in-laws are set to tune in to watch Sunday’s final from California.
#LaGrandeFinale is confirmed!— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 3, 2019
Bloodworth, who was part of the Holland squad which won Euro 2017 on home soil, got married last year – and hopes to be able to have some bragging rights after the showpiece final in Lyon.
“I know that they follow all our matches live in America, they are very much a fan of the Netherlands,” Bloodworth said, quoted by Dutch media outlet AD.
“If there is actually work to be done, my in-laws in California will close the office so that they can watch us (on television).
Back to work! ☀️🇳🇱#OnzeJachtpic.twitter.com/kvBzsvPck4— OranjeLeeuwinnen (@oranjevrouwen) July 5, 2019
“I hope we can show them something nice again on Sunday.”
She added: “My husband said: ‘Secretly, I’m going to cheer a little more for the Netherlands’.
“He is very proud and I am happy that he is there and that he supports me so (much).”
While the US will be aiming to successfully defend their title and deliver a fourth World Cup triumph, Bloodworth believes the Leeuwinnen will be ready to rise to the challenge again, having battled past Sweden after extra-time.
“Of course the Americans are favourite, they will probably think they are going to win, but we are going to make it as difficult as possible for them,” she said.
“We will do everything we can to win from them now.”
The US progressed to the final after ending England’s hopes with a hard-earned 2-1 win on Tuesday night.
The outcome, though, could have been so different but for some tight Video Assistant Referee calls and a late penalty save from Alyssa Naeher to deny Lionesses’ captain Steph Houghton an equaliser.
this is what it means. pic.twitter.com/juRrhyZAPf— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) July 3, 2019
The veteran Chicago Red Stars goalkeeper, 31, knows her contribution could again prove key on Sunday – wherever it may come.
“The mentality and the focus stays the same regardless of who the opponent is,” Naeher told www.FIFA.com.
“We play games where sometimes I’ll touch the ball in the first minute, and sometimes I won’t touch the ball until the 89th minute – but for me the focus stays the same.”
