It’s difficult to recall another time the U.S. women’s national team has looked this out of sorts on this big of a stage. Vlatko Andonovski’s side struggled to a scoreless draw against Portugal in its Group E finale Tuesday, advancing to the knockout stage with the help of the goalpost, denying what would've been a late winner for Women’s World Cup debutants Portugal. Following the scare, the USWNT moved to a five-back defensive formation, desperately willing the game clock to run out and the final whistle to sound.
Portugal was this close 😬 pic.twitter.com/UMIZnAqyib
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 1, 2023