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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
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SI Staff

USWNT Stumbles Into the Round of 16 After Scoreless Draw vs. Portugal

USWNT United States Portugal World Cup

The U.S. women’s national team moves on to the round of 16 at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, but just barely. The Americans closed out group play with a 0–0 draw against Portugal on Tuesday, heading into the knockout stage with just a single win. 

Coming in as the heavy favorites and two-time defending champs, the USWNT has been aiming to be the first squad to win three straight World Cup titles (men’s or women’s). And while that’s still possible, the Americans finished second in Group E and will likely face a strong Sweden team next. 

Entering Tuesday, the U.S. needed a win or draw in order to qualify for the knockout rounds. The Netherlands finished group play with strong 7–0 win over Vietnam, giving them the top spot for Group E. 

After starting off the tournament with a 3–0 win over Vietnam, the U.S. had a hard test in a 1–1 draw with the Netherlands last week. On Tuesday, Portugal looked like the stronger team for much of the match, with its best chance coming in stoppage time when Ana Capeta’s shot rattled off the right post. 

While the U.S. had a few chances of its own, it struggled to finish any opportunity. Frustration was obvious in the underwhelming performance with Rose Lavelle, Sophia Smith and Naomi Girma all given yellow cards. Lavelle's means she will not be available to play in the next match after also getting booked in the second half against the Netherlands. 

Here are the highlights from the game:

Second Half

  • FULL TIME: The U.S. survives to see the round of 16, avoiding elimination from group play. The Americans will likely play Sweden next. 
  • The Netherlands finish off Vietnam, 7–0, and take the top spot in Group E. 
  • Alex Morgan gets a couple more good chances, but still can’t finish. Kelley O’Hara and Alyssa Thompson sub in for Crystal Dunn and Morgan in the 97th minute. 
  • Portugal looked like it finally broke through but Ana Capeta’s shot bounces off the right post in stoppage time. The U.S. get a lucky break. 
  • Trinity Rodman and Emily Sonnett come in for Lynn Williams and Lindsey Horan in the 84th minute. Sonnett, usually a defender, is coming on to slot into midfield. 
  • Naomi Girma now handed a yellow card in the 81st minute. The ensuing free kick is the most offensive action Alyssa Naeher has seen in the second half, with a bit of chaos in the box as the U.S. struggles to clear it. But Naeher eventually gathers it and settles things down. 
  • Diana Gomes is given a yellow card for tripping up Morgan in the 72nd minute. Rapinoe takes the free kick from 30 yards out but nothing comes of it as Portugal clears the line. 
  • Megan Rapinoe subs in for a struggling Smith in the 61st minute, hoping to spark something for the U.S. 
  • Carole Costa is given a yellow card for a foul on Morgan.
  • The U.S. gets its best opportunity of the game when Horan intercepts a pass in the midfield, giving Morgan a chance on the counter attack.
  • Smith is handed a yellow card for a high boot to the face of Diana Silva. 
  • Neither team makes any substitutions to start the second half.

First Half

  • The Netherlands reach halftime up 5–0, giving the Dutch a solid hold on the group. 
  • Though scoreless, Portugal reaches halftime as the stronger team. The U.S. had a few chances but, like most of the tournament, is struggling to finish. Portugal has had some decent opportunities as well, managing to put some pressure on the U.S. and stay composed. 
  • Lavelle is given a yellow card for a late challenge on Dolores Silva, which means Lavelle will miss the next game.
  • The Netherlands have already erased the U.S.'s advantage in goal differential, scoring twice in the first 11 minutes against Vietnam. The Dutch now lead Group E.
  • The U.S. makes some lineup changes from the first two games, most notably Lavelle and Lynn Williams in place of Savannah DeMelo and Rodman.
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