Defending champions, the USA, narrowly secured their place in the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup after being held to a goalless draw by tournament debutants Portugal. The US team, favored to win the tournament, has yet to find their form, raising concerns about their chances of achieving an unprecedented third consecutive title.
Portugal, with the potential to create one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, came agonizingly close to victory as Ana Capeta hit the post in the 91st minute. The USA breathed a sigh of relief as the final whistle blew, granting them the point they needed to advance as runners-up to the Netherlands, who secured a dominating 7-0 victory over Vietnam.
Throughout the match, the United States struggled to break down Portugal’s resilient defense, with goalkeeper Ines Pereira making two impressive saves to deny forward Lynn Williams. The lackluster performance has left fans and pundits wondering what has happened to the once-dominant US team that conquered the world in 2015 and 2019.
The US team’s journey into the knockout stage has not been smooth, as they also drew with the Netherlands in their previous match. Manager Vlatko Andonovski made some changes to the starting XI for the Portugal game, but they failed to make a significant impact on the team’s performance.
Despite the disappointing results, Portugal exits the competition with pride, having put up a strong fight in their first-ever World Cup appearance. Their journey to the tournament was hard-fought, and they leave with heads held high, having come close to causing a major upset.
Looking ahead, the USA will face the winners of Group G in the next round, with Sweden being the likely opponent unless there is a remarkable 10-goal swing in the group’s final match.
As the USA reflects on their unimpressive showing in the group stage, questions loom over their ability to reclaim their title and deliver the exceptional performances they are known for. The road to a third consecutive World Cup victory appears to be more challenging than anticipated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Women’s World Cup
Q: What was the result of the match between USA and Portugal in the Women’s World Cup?
A: The match between USA and Portugal in the Women’s World Cup ended in a goalless draw.
Q: Did the USA advance to the last 16 despite the draw?
A: Yes, the USA managed to advance to the last 16 as runners-up to the Netherlands.
Q: How has the USA’s performance been in the tournament so far?
A: The USA’s performance in the Women’s World Cup has been underwhelming, as they have yet to display the dominant form expected of defending champions.
Q: How close was Portugal to causing an upset against the USA?
A: Portugal came very close to causing a major upset, as Ana Capeta hit the post in the 91st minute, which would have given them a historic victory.
Q: Who will the USA face in the next round?
A: The USA will face the winners of Group G in the next round, with Sweden being the likely opponent unless there is a significant goal difference swing.
Q: How did Portugal perform in their first-ever Women’s World Cup appearance?
A: Despite finishing third in their group, Portugal performed admirably and can be proud of their strong showing in their first-ever World Cup tournament.
Q: How has the USA’s form compared to their previous World Cup victories?
A: The USA’s form in this tournament has not been as dominant as in their previous World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019, raising questions about their title hopes.
Q: Who were the standout players in the match?
A: Joana Marchão was named the player of the match for Portugal, and Ana Capeta had a notable performance, hitting the post in a crucial moment.
Q: What changes did the USA coach make to the starting XI for the Portugal match?
A: The USA coach, Vlatko Andonovski, made two changes to the starting XI, bringing in Rose Lavelle and Lynn Williams for Savannah DeMelo and Trinity Rodman.
Q: How did Portugal’s journey to the World Cup compare to their overall performance in the tournament?
A: Portugal’s journey to the World Cup was hard-fought, and despite not advancing to the next round, they exit the competition with their heads held high due to their strong performance.
More about Women’s World Cup
- “Women’s World Cup” – https://www.fifa.com/womensworldcup/
- “Netherlands thrashes Vietnam 7-0” – [source]
- “Ana Capeta’s performance” – [source]
- “Vlatko Andonovski’s coaching decisions” – [source]
- “Portugal’s journey to the World Cup” – [source]
- “USA’s previous World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019” – [source]
- “USA women’s soccer team” – [source]
- “Sweden’s performance in Group G” – [source]
- “Rose Lavelle’s return from injury” – [source]
- “Portugal’s historic first win on the global stage” – [source]
1 comment
well, the US might not be at their best, but at least they’re through. let’s hope they improve!