The US women’s World Cup team survive to fight another day. After being almost upset by Portugal in a nail-biting match at Eden Park in Auckland, the Americans have advanced to the round of 16.
Fans were on the edge of their seats as Portugal, the 21st-ranked team in the world playing in their first World Cup, threatened to upset the defending champions.
Team USA, renowned for their domination, found it difficult to control the game. When Ana Capeta of Portugal nearly engineered an upset with a shot that rocked the post in stoppage time, the tension increased.
Vlatko Andonovski’s determined Americans, however, ended the game in a tie and thus secured second place in Group E, advancing to the next round. Portugal, finishing third in the group, bowed out of the tournament.
The Netherlands topped Group E after shocking Vietnam 7-0 and advanced to the next round with the Americans. Vietnam, who earlier put up a fight against the Americans, finished last in the group.
The Americans, who entered the tournament as favourites, will now square off against Sweden, the Group G winners. Sweden trounced the US 3-0 in the Tokyo Olympics quarter-finals in 2021. Given that both sides have displayed their strength in thrilling games throughout the campaign, the task at hand is sure to be anything but simple.
Going into the next round, the Americans have points to ponder.
- Past performance: The US performance contrasts sharply with their feats in the previous World Cup when they swept all three of their group games with an astounding 18 goals.
- Youthful adjustment: Coach Andonovski recognises the team’s youth and urges patience, but a quick turnaround is necessary to make it through the knockout stage.
- Historic challenge: The US are under tremendous pressure to maintain their historic World Cup heritage, given their perfect history of making the semifinals in every previous tournament.
Though far from their best against Portugal, the Americans still had their moments. Williams made a valiant effort in an exciting World Cup debut, giving her team the greatest opportunities in the first half. She was denied a goal by a last-second stop from keeper Ines Pereira. The US made a great second-half start, relying on seasoned player Megan Rapinoe to support their attack.
However, opportunities were few, and a last-minute booking for Naomi Girma increased tension. The riveting contest of skill and tenacity kept the audience on tenterhooks. The game ended in a tie, but the audience emerged winners, if they could bear the suspense, that is.
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