USA 0-0 Portugal: USWNT scrape through to Round of 16
USWNT – the defending champion – had a nail-biting at the 2023 Women’s World Cup when they faced World Cup newcomers Portugal. The US so far have had a disappointing start to their World Cup campaign – having once again had to settle for a frustrating draw.
They fell behind in their game against the Netherlands, but Captain Lindsey Horan was able to level the game up – leaving the world champions with a 1-1 draw. Following the match there were questions about how far the US can realistically go in this tournament.
Portugal, a debutant team, had a chance to create history with a win and almost pulled off one of the greatest upsets in the competition.
The match was tense, and both teams had their chances. Portugal came close to scoring in the 91st minute when Ana Capeta hit the post, leaving the USA in a sigh of relief when the final whistle blew. The single point earned was enough to secure their place in the last 16 as runners-up to the Netherlands, who had a remarkable 7-0 victory against Vietnam.
- Netherlands 7-0 Vietnam: Dutch win sees them top Group E
- Portugal Women vs USA Women – Match preview, live stream, kick-off time, prediction, team news, lineups
USA fail to impress
The USA’s performance was far from their best, struggling to break through Portugal’s resilient defence. Keeper Ines Pereira made two excellent saves, denying the USA’s recalled forward, Lynn Williams.
The USWNT entered the 2023 World Cup as the favourites to win but their performance has left their fans disappointed.
They finish the group stage with five points – two points behind the Netherlands and only one point between them and third-place Portugal.
Portugal can leave the tournament with their heads high, they were so close to making it to the final 16 and they held the reigning world champions to a draw. They’ve kept two clean sheets and only one point kept them from qualifying.
Round of 16
Looking ahead, the USA will now face the winners of Group G, which will be decided on Wednesday. Sweden, the last team to defeat the USA in a 90-minute game at the World Cup, is poised to finish on top unless there is a massive 10-goal swing in the final group matches.
The USA faced a frustrating night in Auckland, with midfielder Rose Lavelle receiving a booking and now set to miss the next game after accumulating her second caution of the tournament.
It’s clear that the competition is heating up, and even defending champions face tough challenges on their journey to the top. Much has been said about the gap closing in women’s football as countries put more investment into women’s sport – the women’s game keeps going from strength to strength. It’s no longer a guarantee the USWST will win the world cup – and now it’s no longer a guarantee they will even make it to the final. No doubt the US will enjoy the tougher competition, it’s a true sign of the progress of the game.