Confident, not arrogant: USWNT not taking upstart Dutch lightly in World Cup final

Despite being a firm favorite to win a second straight title, the U.S. will not encounter an easy opponent in Lyon on Sunday

After a relatively easy group stage, the U.S. women’s national team has come through a gauntlet to reach the World Cup final.

The U.S. has defeated Spain, France and then England in the knockout stage, all by a 2-1 scoreline. It hasn’t been easy, as Jill Ellis’s side has struggled at various points to get through all three formidable European opponents.

But as the USWNT seemingly always does these days, they found a way to win. Now, a fourth European opponent in a row, the Netherlands, is the only thing standing between them and a second straight World Cup title.

Editors'…