The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) and the Netherlands – two of the world’s best teams – drew 1-1 on Thursday at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in a hard fought fight and repeat of the 2019 World Cup final.
Chants of “U-S-A, U-S-A!” reverberated across the Wellington Regional Stadium as the squad played the Netherlands in their second match of the tournament.
Jill Roord, a midfielder for the Netherlands, scored in the 17th minute, beating USWNT custodian Alyssa Naeher.
The USWNT has not trailed in a Women’s World Cup match since the semifinal against Brazil in 2011. Prior to Thursday, the United States had gone 17 consecutive matches without trailing, the greatest stretch of any team in tournament history.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands was out for vengeance after losing 2-0 to the United States in the 2019 World Cup.
Despite behind at halftime, the USWNT outshot the Netherlands 9-2, and all of their scoring opportunities came to fruition in the 62nd minute.
US captain Lindsey Horan equalised with a thunderous header from a corner kick, sparking wild jubilation in the crowd.
Only a few minutes later, the USWNT believed they had taken the lead when striker Alex Morgan reached the back of the net – but she was offside, and the goal was ruled out.
Despite five minutes of extra stoppage time, neither side was able to outperform the other by the time the final whistle went.
The USWNT’s undefeated record at the World Cup now stands at 19 games, the longest in tournament history for both men’s and women’s editions.
Horan described the team’s ability to fight back and get the equaliser to avoid a defeat in the group stage as “unbelievable” after the match.
“I felt a lot of momentum the whole time,” Horan remarked. “I think we were a little disappointed in how we played in the first half, but I think we fixed it right away.”
Horan was also appreciative of the Dutch squad, given the two teams’ previous history.
“It’s against a very strong opponent.” Very competitive team that performed well in the World Cup. So it’s going down a goal and coming up and tying… we keep pushing ahead,” Horan continued.
After the game, Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar applauded her team’s performance, stating they had “worked really hard” and enjoyed regular control of the ball.
“I think we were very calm, especially in the first half,” she said. “They dominated more of the game in the second half and had more chances.” But, after all, we have reason to be pleased with ourselves.”
Later that day, Portugal defeated Vietnam 2-0 in Hamilton, New Zealand, in a match between Group E rivals and two World Cup debutants.
Telma Encarnaço scored in the first 10 minutes, before Francisca Nazareth gave Portugal a well-deserved two-goal lead.
Despite persistent Portuguese pressure, the European team was unable to expand its advantage further, but it did pick up a crucial three points as it aims to reach the Women’s World Cup knockout rounds for the first time.
Vietnam has been eliminated after two losses in its first two games.
Back-to-back reigning champions the United States will meet Portugal on August 1, while the Netherlands will face Vietnam on the same day.
After the group matches complete on August 3, the event will proceed to the knockout round with the 16 remaining teams.
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