Highlights: USA vs Portugal – How the USWNT proceed in the World Cup knockout stage
In the Women’s World Cup, the American women USWNT are still alive – but just barely.
In the World Cup or Olympics, they needed a win or a tie to avoid being knocked out in the group stage, but the four-time World Cup champions played out a scoreless draw against Portugal, a team they had beaten in every match they played against them. The last 10 meetings should have been much closer than it was, but the tie was enough for USWNT to secure the second spot in Group E and advance.
That’s good news. The bad news is that USWNT is likely to face old rivals Sweden in the Round of 16.
Four more teams enter the knockout stages. 🏴🇺🇸🇩🇰🇳🇱
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 1, 2023
More matchups revealing themselves. 🆚👀#FIFAWWC | #BeyondGreatness
And they are not playing like a team ready for a deep run. In fact, if it weren’t for near-post heroics, they would be heading home. Portugal’s Ana Capeta launched a corker early in stoppage time of the second half, which USWNT’s post denied, saving them from playing one more day.
Women’s World Cup Central: 2023 Women’s World Cup live score, schedule, standings, bracket, and much more.
Starting for the first time in the knockout stage, Lin Williams got the nod over Trinity Rodman despite her recent brilliance. Instead of shining, USWNT struggled just as much as they did in the first two games, turning away shots, delivering passes to empty spaces, and not finishing the chances they got.
When will USWNT play next?
Prepare your coffee as USWNT will have more late-night games in Group E. With a 7-0 win over Vietnam, the Netherlands finished atop Group E. (Note: The 7-0 win for the Dutch is the biggest single-match victory in the tournament so far.)
With a 0-0 draw against Portugal, the USWNT advanced to the knockout round of the Women’s World Cup, meaning they will eliminate the second-place team from Group E. This means their next game – likely against Sweden, a familiar foe – will be on Sunday, August 6, at 5 a.m. ET.
USWNT vs Portugal Highlights Though the USA vs Portugal match ended in a goalless draw, here are the main takeaways:
USA vs Portugal Replay USWNT started their match against Portugal at 3 a.m. ET. You can watch any match in full replay here. Additionally, Fox Sports is airing a replay at 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
Group E Standing 2023 Here is the Women’s World Cup Group E standings.
Women’s World Cup Bracket Here’s how the bracket is shaping up for the knockout rounds.
Who will be the USWNT’s next opponent in the Round of 16?
USWNT’s next opponent will be decided in the next 24 hours, but it is likely to be a team with whom the Americans have a significant history: Sweden.
As runners-up in Group E, USWNT will play against the winners of Group G in the Round of 16. Sweden is first position in Group G and will conclude group play against Italy, who are second in the group, on Wednesday.
Sweden has been a constant adversary for USWNT. In the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, the teams faced each other in the opening game, marking the ninth time they played each other in a major world championship. USWNT suffered a 3-0 defeat in that match, which was a major upset.
Carli Lloyd calls USWNT’s drama “disheartening, uninspiring” Following the goalless draw against Portugal, two-time World Cup champion Carli Lloyd expressed some harsh words for the USWNT. It grants USWNT passage to the knockout stage, but doing so as the No. 2 seed sets them up for a tough road to the final.
But according to Lloyd, the team’s former captain, questioning their mentality, desire to win, and competitiveness is nonsense. She has never seen this team not put in their all, compete. She knows how this team feels.
USWNT highlights today
Coach Vlatko Andonovski responds to Carli Lloyd
In response to former captain Carli Lloyd’s criticism, USWNT’s coach Vlatko Andonovski had this to say:
“One thing I want to say is that this team wanted to win this game more than anything else. They gave everything in preparation for this tournament. Questioning their mentality, their desire to win, their competitiveness, I think it’s insane. I’ve never seen this team not compete and put in the hard work, not compete. Everyone has the right to voice their opinion. They can say what they want. But I know how this team feels.
Megan Rapinoe gives reassurance to Portugal’s Jessica Silva Though the Americans were disappointed with the draw, they sent Portugal’s women packing home with the results of the final Group E match on Tuesday. Megan Rapinoe gave reassurance to Jessica Silva, who was sitting with her head between her knees on the field after the match, things were cut and dried for them. This marked Portugal’s debut at the World Cup.
Elisa Thompson and more late additions to USWNT Elisa Thompson, the youngest player on the roster, and late additions to the USWNT like Trinity Rodman, Emily Sonnett, entered the field in the 84th minute. Lindsey Horan and Lynn Williams made way for Trinity Rodman and Emily Sonnett for the USWNT.
In this hard-fought World Cup journey, USWNT continues its quest for glory, aiming to overcome the upcoming challenges and make their mark on the tournament.
Megan Rapinoe Boosts Portugal’s Jessica Silva’s Morale
Despite Americans feeling disappointed by the draw, Portugal’s women were sent home after the final Group E match on Tuesday. Megan Rapinoe offered words of encouragement to Jessica Silva, who sat with her head between her knees on the field, as her team’s chances to advance had come to an end. This was Portugal’s first-ever World Cup appearance.
Elisa Thompson Joins USWNT Squad Late
Elisa Thompson, the youngest player on the USWNT roster, joined the star-studded lineup, replacing veterans Kelley O’Hara, Crystal Dunn, and Alex Morgan, during stoppage time in the match. This is Thompson’s first World Cup, while O’Hara is making her fourth appearance.
USWNT coach history
| Coach | Years | G | W | L | T | Pct. |
| Mike Ryan | 1985 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0.125 |
| Anson Dorrance | 1986-1994 | 92 | 65 | 22 | 5 | 0.734 |
| Tony DiCicco | 1994-99 | 121 | 105 | 8 | 8 | 0.901 |
| Lauren Gregg | 2000 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0.833 |
| April Heinrichs | 2000-04 | 124 | 87 | 17 | 20 | 0.782 |
| Greg Ryan | 2005-07 | 55 | 45 | 1 | 9 | 0.9 |
| Pia Sundhage | 2008-12 | 107 | 91 | 6 | 10 | 0.897 |
| Jill Ellis | 2012 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0.857 |
| Tom Sermanni | 2012-14 | 24 | 18 | 2 | 4 | 0.833 |
| Jill Ellis | 2014-19 | 125 | 101 | 7 | 17 | 0.876 |
| Vlatko Andonovski | 2019-present | 64 | 51 | 8 | 5 | 0.849 |
Late Show by Trinity Rodman and Emily Sonnett
In the 84th minute, the USWNT finally made some substitutions.
Lindsey Horan and Lynn Williams were replaced by Trinity Rodman and Emily Sonnett for Team USA.
Naomi Girma Receives Yellow Card
The tough match for USWNT became even harder when defender Naomi Girma received a yellow card in the 81st minute. The match ended in a 0-0 draw with Portugal.
Megan Rapinoe Becomes a USWNT Member
One of the most beloved players in American football history and the star of the 2019 World Cup, Megan Rapinoe, entered the game in the 61st minute, replacing Sofia Smith for the USWNT.
Rapinoe, who is planning to retire at the end of this season, has a different role for the United States in this World Cup but remains a dangerous and experienced threat. This is her 201st appearance for the USWNT.
Sofia Smith Receives a Yellow Card
In the 52nd minute, Sofia Smith received a yellow card when her knee collided with a Portuguese player’s head. It was her first yellow card of the tournament.
Wrong Alarm at the 2023 World Cup
An alarm went off start of at the start of the second the second half at Eden Park Stadium – but it turned out to be a false fire alarm. The game continued, and all the people in the stadium ignored the noise, and it stopped after a few minutes.
USWNT 0, Portugal 0: Halftime Analysis
Vlatko Andonovski made 2 changes, starting Rose Lavelle in midfield and pushing Lynn Williams up. However, these changes didn’t yield significant results initially.
As it wasn’t a terrible result, Lavell got her second yellow card, which means she will miss the round of 16 game if the USWNT qualifies for it. If USWNT gets to the round of 16, that is.
What If the USWNT Loses to Portugal?
If the USWNT loses to Portugal on Tuesday, their World Cup journey will come to an end. The Stars and Stripes will not progress past the group stage. Tied on points with the Netherlands, winning the group will become extremely challenging. Even if they get the second priority from Group E, which is not an easy path.
If Portugal troubles the USWNT, it will be historic – but not in a good way for the United States. Since the inception of the Women’s World Cup in 1991 and the Olympics in 1996, the USWNT has never advanced past the group stage. In every tournament, they have made it to the semifinals or finals. With the exception of the 2016 Olympics, where they lost in the quarterfinals.
Rose Lavelle Receives Another Yellow Card
In the 39th minute, Rose Lavelle received a yellow card for knocking down Portugal’s Dolores Silva. This is cruel for the USWNT. If they make it to the knockout stage – which is not certain, considering the goalless draw in the first half – Lavelle will accumulate two yellow cards and miss the Round of 16 game. She also received a yellow card against the Netherlands.
Netherlands vs. Vietnam Score Mitigates USWNT’s Goal Difference
Between the first and second half of the other Group E match, the Netherlands took a 5-0 lead over Vietnam (yes, you read that right). This helps the USWNT in goal difference – a crucial factor in determining seeding for the knockout stage. Beating Portugal will be challenging for the USWNT.
Here’s the full lineup for the match:
Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher
Defenders: Crystal Dunn, Julie Ertz, Naomi Girma, Emily Fox
Midfielders: Lindsey Horan, Andi Sullivan, Rose Lavelle
Forwards: Sophia Smith, Alex Morgan, Lynn Williams”
USWNT vs. Portugal stats
| USA | Portugal | |
| Possession | 43.80% | 56.20% |
| Possession lost in defensive half | 34 | 53 |
| Possession lost in middle third | 94 | 102 |
| Duels | 125 | 126 |
| Duels success rate | 54.40% | 45.20% |
| Aerial duels | 38 | 38 |
| Aerial duels won | 52.60% | 47.40% |
| Successful dribbles | 10 | 8 |
| Fouls won | 12 | 14 |
| Offsides | 0 | 0 |
| Corner awarded | 6 | 1 |
USWNT plays tonight
The American team will play their final group stage game on Tuesday morning at 3 AM ET. They will be facing Portugal.
Where to watch USA vs. Portugal
All the matches of the 2023 World Cup will be broadcast in the United States on Fox’s main channel and FS1. It will also be available for streaming on FoxSports.com and the Fox Sports app. Spanish coverage will be available on Telemundo.
USA Women’s World Cup Schedule
Round of 16, they will play on either Saturday (if they win Group E) or Sunday (if they finish in second place). Here are the potential opponents and match times:
Saturday, August 5: Winner of Group E vs. Runner-up of Group G at 10 PM ET.
Sunday, August 6: Runner-up of Group E vs. Winner of Group G at 5 AM ET.Currently, Sweden and Italy are leading Group G, which will conclude on Wednesday.
Lindsay Schnell, Reporter: USWNT is fired up – especially after how they played against the Netherlands. They are on a mission to show that the World Cup means everything to them, and they’ll channel their anger for a strong start. I’m expecting a 4-1 final score, and maybe even 2-0, possibly 3-0 by halftime. They are on a mission to send a message.
USWNT Outlook
USWNT should take on Portugal confidently. This is not an easy opponent. Since 2007, this is the first time USWNT has gone into the final group game still needing to secure their place in the knockout rounds. The path for USWNT is straightforward – win or draw, and they are in. However, it will be a dangerous situation for a team that is considered one of the best in the world, regardless of gender or sport, if they were to be eliminated in the group stage. USWNT has never suffered a group stage exit in any World Cup or Olympic competition.
USWNT Fans Take Over New ZealandAuckland, New Zealand – Is there any place where the states don’t have a foothold?
Before the match that started at 7 PM, Auckland was buzzing with USWNT fans. They filled the entire city, their faces painted, wearing colorful outfits, and their dedication was unmistakable. The streets leading to the stadium were filled with cars carrying these devoted fans, and there was a massive crowd even at Eden Park.
Meeting the Kids: Charlie, Marcel, and Maiden Make Headlines
As popular as USWNT is, there might be an even more popular subset of the team: USWNT’s kids.
The 2023 World Cup roster includes three moms, which is the most for USWNT in any major tournament. And while Alex Morgan, Julie Ertz, and Crystal Dunn have achieved incredible success on the field – with all their accolades combined, including six World Cup titles, six Olympic medals, and four U.S. Soccer Player of the Year awards – their kids often steal more attention and generate more headlines.
Megan Rapinoe: Right Where We Want to Be
Auckland, New Zealand – Megan Rapinoe lives for these moments.
USWNT can advance to the knockout stage with a win or a tie against Portugal on Tuesday. However, a loss, and the four-time World Cup champions would almost certainly be heading home for the first time ever in the group stage of a World Cup or Olympics.
For Rapinoe, the pressure, the nerves, the sense that a loss would change how the world sees this team forever – most people would recoil at the thought. But for Rapinoe, it’s rocket fuel.
Please note that the local time in Auckland, New Zealand, is 16 hours ahead of the Eastern Time (ET) in the United States. This means the USA vs. Portugal match will kick off at 7 PM local time in New Zealand.
“It’s not gonna be pretty. It’s not gonna be perfect. It’s not gonna go exactly how you planned, but that’s what makes [the World Cup] so exciting and so unique.” - Kelley O'Hara pic.twitter.com/KJYHqdKLeV
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) August 1, 2023
Near Me: Looking for USWNT watch parties?
Are you searching for a watch party to catch the American Women’s National Team’s matches against Portugal? Well, U.S. Soccer has got you covered with an easy-to-use map that allows you to find a watch party near your location. Check it out!
USWNT World Cup Roster
The 2023 World Cup roster is one of the most diverse in the history of American women’s football. This year marks the end of an era as a new generation of football talents prepares to make its debut on the world cup stage, striving to carry forward the legacy of American triumph. Among the 23 players listed, 14 will be playing in their first-ever World Cup. Along with each U.S. player, you can also learn more about some notable international stars.
Goalkeepers: Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Aubrey Bledsoe (Washington Spirit).
Defenders: Alana Cook (OL Reign), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns), Emily Fox (North Carolina Courage), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave), Sophia Huerta (OL Reign), Kelley O’Hara (NJ/NY Gotham), Emily Sonnett (OL Reign).
Midfielders: Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville), Julie Ertz (Angel City), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign), Kristie Mewis (NJ/NY Gotham), Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit).
Forwards: Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns), Elise Thompson (Angel City), Lynn Williams (NJ/NY Gotham).
World Cup Bracket
Here’s how the 2023 World Cup bracket has been set up:
How many groups are there in the Women’s World Cup?
There are eight groups, each consisting of four teams, and the top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage. The groups are as follows:
Group A: New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Switzerland
Group B: Australia, Canada, Nigeria, Ireland
Group C: Costa Rica, Japan, Spain, Zambia
Group D: China, Denmark, England, Haiti
Group E: Netherlands, Portugal, United States, Vietnam
Group F: Brazil, France, Jamaica, Panama
Group G: Argentina, Italy, South Africa, Sweden
Group H: Colombia, Germany, Morocco, South Korea
Where is the 2023 World Cup being played?
For the first time in Women’s World Cup history, the tournament will be jointly hosted by two countries, Australia and New Zealand. (In 2022, the Men’s World Cup was hosted by Japan and South Korea, and in 2026, it will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.)
Many people associate Australia and New Zealand with surfing, sandy beaches, and breathtaking diving spots—all of which are perfect for sunny weather. However, the southern hemisphere’s winters can get quite chilly, so be prepared for any weather!
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