Women’s World Cup: USA scrape into last 16 with Portugal draw

USA survived a massive scare to qualify claim the runners-up spot in Group E after a goalless draw against Portugal at the Women’s World Cup.

The reigning champions were second best against the tournament debutants and would have been knocked out if Ana Capeta’s stoppage time strike had not bounced off the post.

USA have outshot their opponents in all three matches,but were held by the Netherlands and missed a host of chances during their 3-0 win over Vietnam.

The draw saw USA slip behind Netherlands in the Group E table after their 7-0 thrashing of Vietnam.

They will likely play tournament contenders Sweden in the second round, with the world’s third-ranked side set to finish top of Group G.

Huge improvements will be needed for the Stars and Stripes if they are to win a third successive title. Lynn Williams came closest to breaking the deadlock but she was twice denied by goalkeeper Ines Pereira.

For Portugal, a positive first Women’s World Cup appearance comes to an end after they took the world champions the distance.

Jessica Silva and Kika Nazareth both went close, but it was Capeta’s strike against the post deep into stoppage time that could have sent Portugal through.

“When Ana shot I was thinking it was a goal,” said head coach Francisco Neto.

“What I said to the girls is that I was very proud. Of course they are very sad because we are going home tomorrow.

“What this World Cup shows now is the women’s game is growing a lot and all the teams are amazing. Because of that you have this kind of result.

“Before the World Cup nobody believed this kind of result would come.”

Cover Photo: vintage USA Flag and blue sky” by DWilliam’s is marked with CC0 1.0 .