USWNT Goes Through, But Phew 🥵

08/01/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

USWNT Struggles in Scoreless Draw With Portugal (0-0) But Advances; Netherlands Wins Group E

The struggle continues, but hey, it continues… The U.S. Women’s National Team is moving on to the knockout stage after a scoreless draw with Portugal overnight (0-0), but they were inches away from crashing out in a stunning defeat. The third match of the group stage was a win-or-draw opportunity for the U.S. to advance, but this was brutal. Portugal, making their World Cup debut in 2023, looked the better side at times despite being 2.5-goal underdogs. The U.S. produced more shots (17-6) and shots on target (6-0), but few goal-scoring opportunities truly threatened. Manager Vlatko Andonovski made adjustments to the lineup that didn’t produce. Once the U.S. settled in to try and preserve the draw in extra time, Portugal saw their best chance of the night ricochet off the post. The U.S. was inches away from the biggest upset in Women’s World Cup history. Credit to Portugal for a gutsy performance against the biggest giants in women’s soccer.

Simultaneously, the Netherlands shredded Vietnam (7-0) to win Group E by a landslide. The Dutch had three goals in the first 18 minutes, and they just put the rest of the World Cup on notice.

Group E Highlights

USWNT draw Portugal (0-0)

Netherlands def. Vietnam (7-0)

Group E Final Standings

Netherlands: 7 points (2-1-0) | Goals (+8)

USA: 5 Points (1-2-0) | Goals (+3)

Portugal: 4 Points (1-1-1) | Goals (+1)

Vietnam: 0 Points (0-0-3) | Goals (-12)

Lavelle’s 2nd Yellow: Rose Lavelle received a critical yellow card late in the first half. It was Lavelle’s second yellow of the group stage, which means she’s ineligible for the next match.

USWNT’s Group Stage Recap

Group Gasp: It’s the first time the USWNT has only won one game in the group stage, and just the second time they’ve failed to win their group in the World Cup.
Scoreless Match: Match 3 marked the USWNT’s first scoreless World Cup game since 2015.
Goal Searching: They finished the group stage with a record of 1-2-0 with just four goals in three matches — tied for the lowest in team history.
Portugal Push-Back: The USWNT was previously 10-0 all-time against Portugal with a 39-0 goal differential.

Fun Fact: Despite their disappointing group stage, the USWNT outshot opponents 63-11 over three matches. They only came away with four goals (+3 goal differential).

Next Up: The USWNT will likely face Sweden this weekend in the Round of 16 — a club that’s currently 2-0-0 with a 7-1 goal advantage atop Group G.

Other Women’s World Cup Highlights

Japan def. Spain (4-0)

Zambia def. Costa Rica (3-1)

Nigeria draw Ireland (0-0)

Australia def. Canada (4-0)

Hosts Advance: Australia’s blowout against Canada puts the hosts through to the knockout stage and sent the Canadians home.

Teams Through to Knockouts (9): Switzerland, Norway, Australia, Nigeria, Japan, Spain, Sweden, Netherlands, USA | Full Group Stage Standings

In Action This Morning

China vs. England (7:00 am ET)
Denmark vs. Haiti (7:00 am ET)

FOX Sports: Rose Lavelle Picks Up Second Yellow Card, Suspended for Next Match

CBS Sports: Women’s World Cup Scenarios: USWNT Advance — Here’s What Rest of the Field Needs

Photo: Carmen Mandato/USSF / Getty Images