It was almost the biggest upset in the history of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. In the closing moments and in the early morning hours (back in the United States), the USWNT was nearly knocked out of the tournament by a Portuguese shot that hit the post.
The same Portugal team that had yet to score a goal in any of its previous ten games against the USWNT (all American wins) had taken the best team in the world to the brink of elimination.
But the ball did hit the post, there was no late and crushing goal, and the 0-0 draw when the final whistle blew was enough for the U.S. to move on to the knockout stage as the second-place team in its group.
The Netherlands, who drew with the USWNT, finished on top of the group with two wins and a draw.
Reasons for Concern
The 0-0 draw for the USWNT was the first time they failed to score in 13 games. Their four total goals in the group stage is 14 fewer than what they scored in 2019. Their second-place finish in the group is just the second time in nine World Cups that they didn’t win their group.
The offense looks disjointed, out of sync, and with no clearly defined roles. And for the first time in her legendary career, Alex Morgan doesn’t look like one of the top scorers in the world.
She had a number of chances on Tuesday morning in front of the goal, and all of them went wide of the mark or were easily handled by the defense.
The team will also be without midfielder Rose Lavelle in their next game after she picked up her second yellow card of the tournament.
The Betting Public Still Likes the USWNT
- United States (+320)
- Spain (+400)
- England (+425)
- Germany (+750)
- Japan (+850)
- Australia (+1200)
Japan won all three of their group matches and outscored their opponents 11-0. England is also 3-0 in the tournament with eight goals for and just one goal against. And even though Spain did lose to Japan, they are on to the knockout stage and are playing the second shortest odds.
The big story, however, is that even though the USWNT came within inches of losing to Portugal, they are still the favorites to hoist the champions trophy after the final is played on August 20.
Even though the offense is struggling more than it has in years, the bettors believe Lindsey Horan. She said after Tuesday’s match;
“We have to finish [our scoring opportunities], and we will. That’s going to come.”
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