The United States, the defending champions, made it to the Women’s World Cup last 16 with a tense 0-0 draw against Portugal, who were making their debut, on Tuesday.
Holders the United States squeezed into the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup with a shaky 0-0 draw against debutants Portugal on Tuesday to finish second in Group E behind a rampant Netherlands. England will hope to have far less trouble when the European champions look to get the draw they need against China to reach the knockouts as Group D winners. The United States came to Australia and New Zealand as favourites — ahead of England — to win an unprecedented third World Cup in a row.
The United States, renowned for its dominance in international women’s football, barely secured a spot in the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup with a shaky 0-0 draw against Portugal, who made their debut in the tournament. In a nerve-wracking match, Portugal came close to a win that would have eliminated the Americans, but they hit the post in injury time, leading to a tense finish in front of a massive crowd of almost 41,000 in Auckland.
Despite their struggles, the US managed to advance and is likely to face a formidable Sweden team in the next round, who recently thrashed Italy 5-0. US coach Vlatko Andonovski tried to remain positive about the team’s performance, considering the squad’s relatively short time together. He expressed confidence that with more time and practice, their chances of scoring would improve.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands, who drew 1-1 with the US in a rematch of the 2019 final, displayed their dominance with a resounding 7-0 victory over Vietnam. Esmee Brugts and Jill Roord both scored twice, leading the Dutch to top the group with seven points and an impressive goal difference of plus eight.
In other matches, England is poised to face Nigeria if they secure the necessary point against China to top Group D. Denmark is in a favorable position to advance alongside England and will face Haiti in a decisive match. Co-hosts Australia await the winners in the last 16.
Football legend Marta of Brazil faces an emotional World Cup appearance, knowing this could be her last. She holds the record as the all-time leading goal-scorer in World Cups, and a goal in this tournament would make her the first footballer to score at six World Cups. On Wednesday, Brazil needs to beat Jamaica to secure their place in the knockout rounds.
With the group stage coming to a close, the tension is high as teams fight for their place in the next round. France, already with a solid position in Group F, will face Panama, while in Group G, Sweden, already qualified, plays Argentina, and South Africa faces Italy in a crucial match for both teams.
The competition continues to captivate fans worldwide, and the excitement builds as the Women’s World Cup progresses.