America struggled through the group stage of the Women's World Cup
More appreciated, but the US cannot overwhelm the rookie of the World Cup Portugal. After the match, the faces of many pillars of the national team like Alex Morgan or Megan Rapinoe were still worried. The Portuguese players could not hold back their tears when they were eliminated despite fighting bravely against a strong opponent.
The US needs at least one draw to progress, and Portugal must win. The defending champion created many opportunities but missed them. The US almost paid the price in the second minute of injury time, when Ana Capeta hit the post. It was also the most dangerous opportunity of the match, although Portugal only finished five times compared to 13 of the opponent. The European representative also repeatedly created waves near the US goal, thanks to the ingenuity of attacking stars like Jessica Silva or Kika Nazareth.
In fact, it's not just Portugal that wants to win. The US flooded from the top with a three-point goal, to compete for the top of the table with the Netherlands. The second team of Group E will have to meet Sweden in the first knockout round, while the first team will meet a lighter opponent. Midfielder Rose Lavelle's mobility in the first start helped the US create a few dangerous upswings. The expected goal index (xG) of the US is 2.69, while that of Portugal is only 0.29.
America's best opportunity came early in the second half, when Morgan dribbled past goalkeeper Ines Pereira but the shot was saved by the Portuguese defender on the line. The defending team could not maintain pressure on the opponent's goal and only held the ball 44% of the game. The performance of Morgan and his teammates was severely criticized by Carli Lloyd on FOX Sports. The former two-time World Cup winner says America's play is too predictable, uncoordinated and disappointing.
"Things have changed since 2020," Lloyd said more deeply. "You put on the team shirt, not only for you but for generations before and after. I don't see any passion from the players. Everything is very fuzzy. They play to not lose, and Portugal Portugal play to win. Winning, training and doing everything to be the best, that won't happen with these players. Confidence is different from arrogance."
The US will have difficulty in the 1/8 round when it has to face Sweden. The Netherlands ranked first in Group E after a 7-0 victory over Vietnam. They only have to meet Italy or Argentina or South Africa in the knockout round.
