- At the Women’s World Cup, the Netherlands and the USA secure a ticket to the round of 16 on the last day of Group E.
- The record world champion USA trembles against Portugal to a 0-0, which is enough for a progression.
- In the parallel game, the Netherlands secured victory in their group with a 7-0 thrashing of Vietnam.
In stoppage time, the sensation almost became a fact. Ana Capeta, who had just come on as a substitute, was launched with a long ball from their own half of the field and an extension with a header. The Portugal striker fired from the edge of the box but hit the post. It remained 0-0, which secured the lackluster progress for the co-favorites from the USA. Despite a courageous performance, Portugal had to give up.
Looking towards the knockout phase, the USA must improve enormously if they want to clinch the third title in a row. The rebellious Portuguese went resolutely into the duels in the game of the last chance and hardly let the favorites develop. So the best chance of the first half belonged to the Portuguese. However, Jessica Silva, who had been sent down perfectly, put her finish wide of the goal.
USA offensively harmless
Even after the change of sides, Portugal goalkeeper Ines Pereira was surprisingly little challenged. The 24-year-old, who is usually the Servette-Chênois goalkeeper, never really had to prove her class and was always there for the USA’s harmless shots.
Megan Rapinoe’s substitution after about an hour didn’t have the desired effect either. Although coach Vlatko Andonovski’s team increased the pressure, the really compelling opportunities were still missing.
Netherlands with Schützenfest
The Netherlands secured top spot thanks to an easy 7-0 win over Vietnam. Lieke Martens steered the game in the right direction early on with a wonderful lob (8′). After a perfectly placed long-range shot by Esmee Brugts in the 18th minute, it was already 3:0 for the big favorite. The 20-year-old doubled in the 57th minute with an almost identical goal.
Vietnam, who were eliminated before the game, can look back on a bitter World Cup debut. Three defeats and a goal difference of 0:12 is the brutal record of the world number 32.
USA probably against Sweden
The USA and the Netherlands do not yet know their round of 16 opponents. The USA are likely to face the Swedes, who will be hard to beat in Group G. The Netherlands could face Italy, South Africa or Argentina, all of whom still have a chance of qualifying for the round of 16.