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And so it comes to this.
24 teams have been whittled down to two, nine host cities narrowed to one.
When the American and Dutch national teams walk into the cavernous arena of the Stade de Lyon on Monday morning (AEST), they will be preparing to make history.
Should the United States triumph, they will become just the first women’s team in history to defend their Women’s World Cup crown.
If the Netherlands continue their fairytale run, the Oranje will win their first-ever World Cup – a remarkable achievement just four years after they made their tournament debut, and only a decade since they contested their first major tournament (the 2009 European championships).
The Dutch might have the odds stacked against them, facing a team whose worst World Cup result is third.
But with the weight of expectations on the United States – who looked a long way from invincible in their semi-final clash with England – Holland will be hopeful of an almighty upset.
Here’s what to watch out for at the 2019 Women’s World Cup final.
1. Two women calling the shots
Sunday’s final will pit two female managers against each other: the United States’ Jill Ellis and the Netherlands’ Sarina Wiegman.
It is just the second time that the Women’s World Cup final has been an all-female affair.
“It is a wonderful statement,” said Ellis before the match. “There aren’t enough of us in the game – we need more women in coaching.”
Ellis and Wiegman were both mentored by the same individual, and both spent some of their playing career in the United States.
“I hope that more and more women become coaches,” Wiegman echoed. “We have to positively influence that.”
2. More than a game?
There has been a sense all tournament that this World Cup has just as much significance off the pitch as it does on it, if not more.
Nowhere was that truer than at the United States’ pre-match press conference, where Rapinoe held court and excoriated FIFA for its ongoing disrespect of women’s football.
“If you really care – are you’re letting the [prize money] gap grow?” she asked rhetorically, before calling out the decision to schedule the World Cup final, Copa America final and Gold Cup final on the same day.
“Are you scheduling three finals on the same day? No, you’re not.”
She then made an impassioned plea for more investment in the women’s game, briefly singing “money, money, money” to the tune of ABBA’s classic song.
“Money from FIFA, money from advertisers, sponsors, rights holders, TV,” she said.
“Not just blindly throwing cash at things but investing in infrastructure, training programs, academies for women – all of it.
“You need to make big upfront investments and really bet on the future. We’re worthy of the investment.”
On Sunday, Rapinoe will seek to back up her words with another superb performance on the field.
“This is the most incredible stage you get to play on – and we’re going to enjoy it, no matter what.”
3. A different kind of test for the United States?
There is no doubting that the Americans begin as favourites on Sunday.
“The USA are the favourites and we are the underdogs – we’re fine with that,” declared Dutch coach Wiegman ahead of the match.
But the challenge posed by the Dutch will be somewhat different to that faced by the United States so far at the tournament.
While most other opponents have sat back and sought to hit the Americans on the break, the Netherlands play a possession-based game.
“I expect it to be a very competitive match,” said USWNT boss Ellis. “This is a team that wants to have the ball and wants to wear you down with their passing game.
“It’s the 4-3-3 of the Dutch. It’s what they live and breathe. They’ve probably been playing it since they were five.”
Wiegman insisted that despite the tough task ahead, she wouldn’t back down from the usual Dutch approach.
“We have our own playing style,” she said. “That philosophy is the same for all the games.”
4. Will the Dutch attacking trio finally fire?
The Dutch entered the tournament with a much-hyped attacking trio of Lieke Martens, Vivianne Miedema and Shanice van de Sanden.
They may have helped the Netherlands to the final, with Miedema collecting three goals along the way, but the Dutch attack has not exactly sparkled.
Will they step up, on this grandest stage of all?
Martens has battled a foot injury, and was withdrawn at half time in the semi-final.
“Lieke is preparing for the game tomorrow – we’re not sure if she can start,” said Dutch coach Wiegman on Saturday. “We’ll decide tomorrow morning.”
If Martens is missing in action, the Netherlands may opt for talented youngster Lineth Beerensteyn, who started in place of van de Sanden in the semi, or Jill Roord, who has made an impact off the bench.
5. Do the Americans have a fitness advantage?
When the Netherlands’ semi-final clash on Thursday (AEST) went to extra-time, those watching on in the American camp must have let out a chuckle.
Not only did the Dutch have one less day to prepare for their final, but they also had to play an additional 30 minutes against Sweden.
This added exertion came just days after Holland had to play in the only day-time quarter-final, a sweltering affair with temperatures in the mid-30s in Valenciennes.
All of which hands the physical advantage to America.
“Our medical staff have worked really hard in the past couple of days,” admitted Dutch goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal.
“We’re fit, we’re ready,” said the ex-Arsenal player. “We have a day less, but I’m not going to complain about that.”
For the Americans, coach Ellis indicated that all 23 players were available.
“Having this extra day has been huge,” she said. “At this stage nobody has been ruled out – so that’s encouraging for me as a coach.”
Star striker Rapinoe was a shock omission in the semi-final, citing a minor hamstring strain.
“As of now I’m expecting to be ready for tomorrow – I feel good,” she told the press. “I’m pretty open and honest with you – there’s nothing hidden.”
Kieran Pender is covering the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup for The World Game. Follow him on Twitter:
