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.
The pretenders have said goodbye as the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup group stage matches come to a close, leaving the genuine contenders with an unwavering drive to win the championship. The stakes are enormous as we prepare for the exhilarating elimination round.
So which team has the best chance of winning it all?
The United States women’s national team (USWNT), the current global champions, continue to dominate the odds! Their odds of winning were good at +240 after a dominant opening 3-0 victory over Vietnam. Team USA are still a powerful force going into the group stage, despite a little lengthening of the odds to +270 following a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands. The team’s odds of winning have remained stable at roughly +275 as the competition rages.
Firm favourites to win the 2023 FIFA Women’s Cup, the US also won the tournament, held every four years, the last two times — in 2015 and 2019. If they win again, they will be champions three times in a row. They also won the first FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991 and again in 1999.
Will the flag of the United States once more rise to glory, or will rivals vie for the top spot? The scene is set, and as spectators eagerly anticipate a spectacular finish, the suspense is growing.
Which opposing groups are strong candidates?
Spain’s odds shortened from +550 to +340 in an exciting competition, thanks to victories over Costa Rica and Zambia.
England’s Lionesses have also improved their chances, the odds shortening from +550 to +500.
Australia’s odds have changed dramatically, too. After an incredible 4-0 victory over Canada, which gave them the group’s top spot, Australia’s odds have improved from +2300 to +1100.
Meanwhile, Japan, who defeated the US on penalties in the 2011 Women’s World Cup final, have also entered the race at +1300, up from +2100 last week.
The United States women’s national team play Portugal at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, in the dramatic championship match of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. A victory or a tie guarantees them a spot in the knockout rounds, but agony would follow a defeat and a victory for the Netherlands against Vietnam. This vital match on Tuesday is surrounded by high stakes, strong feelings, and international anticipation.
This will be a heated Group E matchup between the USWNT and a resurgent Portugal after their first-ever World Cup triumph against Vietnam. The USWNT are coming off a 1-1 tie with the Netherlands, thanks to an equaliser by Lindsey Horan. Portugal’s chances of moving on depend on pulling off an unexpected victory over the strong American team. The match promises to be a football extravaganza as both nations compete for victory, leaving supporters excitedly expecting a nail-biting match that may completely change the course of the World Cup.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup can be watched live in Singapore. “All matches will be made available on StarHub’s TV+ and IPTV platforms (Channels 251 and 252), Singtel TV, Singtel TV GO (Channels 141 and 142) and Cast, and Mediacorp’s digital video streaming service mewatch,” the Straits Times reported.
Portugal vs USWNT starting line-up
Portugal line-up:
Ines Pereira
Patrícia Morais
Catarina Amado
Joana Marchão
Silvia Rebelo
Andreia Norton
Fátima Pinto
Tatiana Pinto
Dolores Silva
Carolina Mendes
Kika Nazareth
USWNT line-up:
Naeher
Fox
Ertz
Girma
Dunn
Sullivan
Horan
Lavelle
Smith
Morgan
Williams
Storyline
USWNT
As the top-ranked team in the world, the U.S. Women’s National Team are under more pressure than usual. They intend to play a “statement game” in the group stage following a commanding 3-0 victory against Vietnam and a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands. The team aim to rekindle their terror factor and demonstrate their unmatched skills with an early offensive drive against Portugal, a historically difficult foe. The USWNT are under pressure, but they’re determined to prove once again they’re soccer’s best team.
Portugal
The Portuguese Women’s National Team try to bounce back from a close loss to the Netherlands. They’ll use a tough low block against the USWNT in an effort to frustrate and counter the Americans. The Portuguese are buoyed by their first-ever World Cup victory over Vietnam under coach Francisco Neto and the inspiring leadership of 20-year-old forward Kika Nazareth. In their quest to write another legendary page in their World Cup adventure, they are anticipating an exciting match.
USWNT vs Portugal: Predictions
Going into the championship game, there is pressure, and there is no better opportunity for the squad to send a message to the competition. Portugal score 0; USWNT score 3.
US women’s national team needs swift recovery before Paris Olympics
The United States women’s national team (USWNT) doesn’t have the luxury of time to find form again after a poor World Cup. Action must be taken immediately because the Paris Olympics are less than a year away.
Vlatko Andonovski’s resignation as coach was announced on Wednesday. He inevitably stepped down after the dismal performance. It is imperative to take immediate action in light of the team’s premature elimination from the round of 16—a first in World Cup or Olympic history—and Andonovski’s failure to win any of the major competitions.
Andonovski faced a difficult task leading a two-time World Cup champion squad through pandemic-related difficulties and untimely injuries after taking over in 2019 before the Tokyo Games.
However, the USWNT’s underwhelming performances in the World Cup and the Tokyo Olympics (where the Americans had to be satisfied with the bronze) were caused by more than just outside forces. The team members’ individual inventiveness was constrained by Andonovski’s reliance on a system that failed to capitalise on the players’ advantages and his aversion to change.
Look closely at the available talent
The USWNT is at a crucial crossroads after an incredible 11-year run that included two World Cup victories and Olympic gold in 2012: should it hold onto its past heroes or develop young talent? Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz have given their resignation notice; goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher shines, but she will be 39 in 2027. Wingback Kelly O’Hara will also be 39. Striker Alex Morgan will be 38.
It’s time to discover untapped talent and look to the future. San Diego Wave’s Jaedyn Shaw performs brightly alongside up-and-comers Olivia Moultrie and Chloe Ricketts. Let new faces control the pitch.
Failure has a powerful force that should not be undervalued, and now is the moment for the USWNT, particularly its up-and-coming talents, to harness it. A pivotal turning point was marked by Sophia Smith’s agonising miss on a game-changing penalty, Trinity Rodman’s shock, and Lindsey Horan’s tears. The USWNT may develop an unbreakable resolve with the help of these powerful feelings—pain, sadness, shame, and determination—and return to their former glory.
After Relegation In Nations League, Is England A Better Side For The World Cup?
England went through humiliations in the Nations League, getting relegated after poor performances under the leadership of Gareth Southgate.
England and Germany shared the spoils at Wembley in a 3-3 draw but the results left both sides frustrated with their runs ahead of the World Cup.
Nevertheless, some in the UK are not shocked with the ‘Nation’s League’ performances, saying the England squad is one of the favourites to win the biggest global football tournament in Qatar.
While that is comforting, that is people still see the England squad as the best in the world ahead of the World Cup, there are concerns about the team.
The England squad had to fight against racist remarks online after it failed to win the EURO 2020, with three of its players missing the penalties at the end, giving Italy victory.
The Italians made it to the final stage of the Nations League in what can be seen as a performance filled with consistency, unlike the England squad. They should be one of the favourites to lift the World Cup coming November.
Russia and Qatar
Now, what is the difference between the England team that was fielded in Russia and the one that will defend their chances in Qatar?
England meets the USA, Wales and Iran in what can be said is an easy qualifying group that should see both the English side and the Americans go through the first stage.
Gregg Berhalter, the American coach, praised Gareth Southgate and backed the Three Lions to win the World Cup.
He says Southgate transformed the English players into a squad of superheroes.
He also says the performances of the England’s Women squad in the recent Women’s World Cup will also boost the morale of the English side in Qatar.
In Russia, England blew a chance to end their memorable World Cup adventure on a high note and become the best team to leave English shores when they were defeated 2-0 by Belgium in the third-place play-off.
This time around, they have a relatively easy (on paper) run in the first round of the W. Cup. WIll they disappoint the supporters?
England’s performance in Russia was one of their best showing in a World Cup after their 1966 controversial win against Germany by 4-2.
It was a Harry Maguire header that sent England on its way to the semi-finals after they beat Sweden 2-0.
Kieran Trippier’s superb fifth-minute free-kick put England ahead in the Luzhniki Stadium.
With this goal, they were on course for only their second World Cup final appearance. But Ivan Perisic’s second-half equaliser was well deserved as Croatia began to show their worth as the game progressed.
Another period of extra-time stood in the way of the Three Lions reaching the final against France, only for Mario Mandzukic to tuck away the winning goal after some static England defending allowed him to beat Pickford.
England and USA
In Qatar, England has to face the Americans and with the World Cup history between these two nations, it is hard to say whether the English side will come out the winner this time.
England has played the USA twice in the World Cup. The first time was way back in history when the USA team surprised the entire world by beating England 1-0 in 1950 and a terrible 1-1 draw in Rustenburg (South Africa) in 2010.
While the USA seems to be the bigger thorn in England’s side in this tournament, it still has to end up first in the group to face a lesser performing side in the next round. That is if England qualifies.
Nevertheless, in this year’s edition of the FIFA World Cup, Brazil is the 9/2 favourite to win, followed by France at 6/1 and England and Argentina at 7/1. This is based on the Bet365 predictions.
Poor results lately means England has drifted from the hot favourites to a lesser one but it is still among the countries that could end up as the top four in the competition.
Gareth Southgate’s England are 7/1 third favourites to win the World Cup in Qatar this winter, according to the bookies, after their poor run continued during the recent international break.
Southgate’s team was defeated 1-0 at the San Siro on Friday before drawing 3-3 with Germany at Wembley on Monday. These results bring their winless streak to six games.
For Behalter, the number of Premier League players (the best league in the world says many) means England is a hot favourite.
‘I don’t know if the expectations have always been in line with the quality of the squad. So back in 2010, realistically, I didn’t think they had the squad that could win the World Cup, right? But now it’s different. Now I think we all agree they have a squad that can win the World Cup.
‘And Gareth, in my opinion, has done a great job of helping the players cope with that pressure and actually using the jersey as a cape rather than a straitjacket and really giving them the freedom to play on the field, giving them the idea that they can represent their country in a positive way and make the country proud,’ he adds from an MLS event in Minneapolis last month.
The US begin their campaign against Wales, with the sides meeting in October 2020 for a 0-0 draw in Cardiff.
‘They were a good team, a very hard team to score on, a physical team, a lot of Premier League players, some real high quality in the attack, quality defenders,’ Behalter says.
Southgate’s squad
While the controversial and error-prone Harry Maguire is getting the backing of coach Southgate, it is undoubted that Harry Kane remains the top English player on the list of selected players or those who will be on the plane for the World Cup.
Harry Kane remains at the top of the table, with Declan Rice (2nd), Jordan Pickford (3rd), and Raheem Sterling (4th), but there is a change below that, with Jude Bellingham climbing four places to fifth after strong performances against Italy and Germany.
In the absence of Kalvin Phillips, who was already struggling for playing time at Manchester City before his injury, Bellingham appeared set to partner Rice. In the rankings, the Borussia Dortmund teenager leapfrogs Reece James (6th), Phil Foden (7th), Mason Mount (8th), Bukayo Saka (9th), and John Stones (10th).
The biggest movers, however, are Eric Dier (11th) and Luke Shaw (12th), who have risen 10 and 16 places respectively after returning to the squad and seizing their opportunity.
They suddenly look like sure bets for Qatar, and possibly Southgate’s starting lineup as well.
Despite a chorus of supporters and pundits criticising England manager Gareth Southgate for not playing Liverpool defender Kieran Tripper, Southgate believes Tripper is ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold in the England pecking order.
Alexander-Arnold, who was on the substitutes bench but did not play against Italy, was left out of the squad that drew 3-3 with Germany at Wembley on Monday night in the Nations League.
Reece James, England’s standout right-sided defender, played the entire match and is set to play in the World Cup in Qatar.
US, Iran face off in winner-takes-all World Cup showdown
The United States and Iran meet in a politically charged winner-takes-all World Cup clash on Tuesday as England aim to reach the last 16 as group winners with victory over Wales.
Ever since the draw for the tournament was made in April, the Group B game between the US and Iran has stood out as one of the highlights of the first phase in Qatar.
Even with little riding on the result, the game at Thumama Stadium would have been loaded with political overtones, only the third meeting on a football field of two nations who share more than 40 years of ideological enmity.
But Tuesday’s match carries an additional dimension with both teams knowing that a win will see one of them advance to the knockout rounds while the loser is eliminated.
As if that wasn’t enough, simmering tensions flared up at the weekend after the US Soccer federation posted a modified version of the Iranian flag on their social media feeds.
The move infuriated Iranian football chiefs, who lodged a complaint with world governing body FIFA demanding sanctions.
US Soccer initially said the altered flag was intended as a gesture to show support for women protesters in Iran, before subsequently deleting the various posts.
Coach Gregg Berhalter said on Monday his players and team staff had been in the dark about the flag gesture and sought to de-escalate tensions by emphasising that politics would not be a factor on Tuesday.
“When I think about this match I know that a lot of other constituents have a lot of other feelings towards it,” Berhalter said.
“But for us it’s a soccer game against a good team and it’s not much more than that. It’s a knockout game between two good teams that want to get to the next round.”
Iran counterpart Carlos Queiroz brushed off suggestions that the flag furore would be used to motivate his players.
“If after 42 years in this game as a coach I still believe I can win games with those mental games, I think I’ve learned nothing about the game,” the Portuguese coach said.
Wales need miracle
In Tuesday’s other Group B game England will be looking for a win over Wales as they bid to qualify for the last 16 as group winners.
England made a flying start to the tournament with a 6-2 demolition of Iran but were then held to a 0-0 draw by the USA in a laboured performance.
England manager Gareth Southgate is expected to tweak his starting line-up to rest some of his star men against a Welsh team who need a miracle to qualify.
In other games on Tuesday, the Netherlands face already eliminated hosts Qatar as the Dutch strive to finish top of Group A.
Ecuador, who are level with the Dutch on four points, will finish top of the group if they come up with a better result against Senegal than the Netherlands manage against Qatar.
The winners of Group A will face the runners-up from Group B in the last 16. Failure to top the group could conceivably see the Netherlands face England in the second round.
Holland manager Louis van Gaal is unfazed by whoever his team meets in the next round.
“If you want to become world champions you have to be capable of beating anyone,” van Gaal said.
