World Cup Recap: USWNT Advances to Round of 16

In the USA’s final match of their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup group stage, the team drew 0-0 with Portugal, finishing second place in Group E. OL Reign midfielder Rose Lavelle was the only player to start the match and play 90 minutes. In the second half, Reign forward Megan Rapinoe subbed in at the 61st minute and defender Sonnett subbed in at the 84th minute.

From the first whistle, it was clear that the match between the USA and Portugal would be end-to-end, as both teams were hungry to get on the board. Though the United States had significantly more shots than Portugal, the Portuguese were still threatening.

In the 27th minute of the match, it seemed the United States would finally find the opening goal, as forward Alex Morgan served beat her defenders to serve a low cross into the box and toward forward Lynn Williams. Williams nailed a shot on goal, but Ines Pereira in goal for Portugal came up with a save. The rebound fell to Williams, but the second attempt went over the crossbar.

Notably, Lavelle was issued a yellow card in the 39th minute of the match, marking her second this tournament, meaning she will miss the USWNT’s Round of 16 match due to yellow card accumulation.

The United States had the better chances before halftime but were not able to find a go-ahead goal and the teams went into halftime level at zero.

After making no changes at halftime, the Stars and Stripes were back on the pitch, once again earning the better offensive opportunities but struggling to find the final quality touch needed to put the ball into the back of the net.

In the 60th minute, Lavelle lofted a freekick into the box, finding the head of Williams, but her header went just wide, and match continued in a scoreless deadlock.

Just as stoppage time was beginning, Portugal found their best chance of the night with a quick counterattack toward the U.S. goal. Forward Ana Capeta used her fresh legs to take goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher on one v one. Her shot appeared to be going into the back of the net, but in the end, it bounced off the post and was cleared from danger.

As stoppage time dwindled and the match was coming to a close, the United States strung together some half chances, but were unable to find the back of the net and earned their second draw in their group stage campaign.

NEXT UP FOR THE USWNT The USWNT advance to the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of Group G. at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne/Naarm, Australia at 2:00 a.m. PT on Sunday, August 6. The match can be watched on FOX and Telemundo.

FINAL GROUP E STANDINGS:

All four teams have played three matches. The Netherlands and United States are advancing to the Round of 16.

1. Netherlands (7 points, +8 goal differential)

2. United States (5 points, +3 goal differential)

3. Portugal (4 points, +1 goal differential)

4. Vietnam (0 points, -12 goal differential)