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The US Women’s National Team narrowly avoided elimination from the Women’s World Cup with a goalless draw against Portugal. Substitute Ana Capeta had a chance to secure a win for Portugal in the closing stages, but her effort hit the post. The USWNT needed at least a draw to advance to the last 16, and they did so thanks to the Netherlands’ 7-0 win over Vietnam, which secured the Dutch team’s top spot in Group E. This is the first time in the history of the competition that the USWNT has won just one group stage match. There are concerns about the team’s performance and lack of cohesion. Matias Grez reported
The US Women’s National Team narrowly avoided elimination from the Women’s World Cup at the group stage, securing a goalless draw against Portugal to reach the last 16. Substitute Ana Capeta had a golden opportunity to secure a famous win for Portugal in the closing stages, but her shot hit the post. Defeat would have meant the end of the tournament for the USWNT, a team aiming for a third consecutive world title. The Netherlands’ 7-0 victory over Vietnam secured them top spot in Group E, two points ahead of the US. This is the first time in the competition’s history that the USWNT has won just one group stage match.
While a 0-0 draw against the two-time defending champion would usually be cause for celebration, many of Portugal’s players were in tears at full time as the reality of their World Cup exit sunk in. However, Portugal’s players can be confident in the future of women’s soccer in their country after their narrow 1-0 defeat to the Netherlands and draw with the US. On the other hand, there are serious questions about the USWNT’s performances in the group stages. With 14 players appearing at a World Cup for the first time, the team has struggled to find cohesion throughout the tournament. The match against Portugal highlighted the team’s disjointed performance so far.
US forward Alex Morgan expressed disappointment with the team’s second-place finish in the group. She acknowledged that the team gave their all, but they were unable to score. Morgan also admitted that the team has not been at their best in Australia and New Zealand, but they are eager to work on improvements and prepare for the next round, regardless of the opponent.
Expectations were high for the USWNT going into the game, and hundreds of enthusiastic American fans filled the air with chants and songs as they made their way to the stadium. However, the players on the pitch failed to replicate that enthusiasm. Portugal created the first chance of the match, but Jessica Silva missed the target. Portugal’s players did an excellent job of disrupting the US team, not giving them much time on the ball. Morgan had the best chance for the US in the first half, but her teammate Lynn Williams missed the target with her second attempt.
As the second half progressed, the US team had more control of the game but still struggled to create clear opportunities. Portugal remained a threat and had a chance to snatch a late winner, but the shot hit the post. Veteran Megan Rapinoe expressed relief after the match, emphasizing the importance of advancing to the next stage.
In conclusion, the USWNT narrowly avoided elimination at the group stage with a goalless draw against Portugal. While Portugal’s players were devastated by their World Cup exit, they can be optimistic about the future of women’s soccer in their country. The USWNT, on the other hand, faces questions about their performances in the group stages. With improvements needed, they are determined to bounce back in the next round..
