The Netherlands surprised United States of America (USA) with a 1-1 draw at the Wellington Regional Stadium, New Zealand. While Portugal made history as they registered their first-ever win in the Women’s World Cup against Vietnam on Thursday.
The Netherlands started the game well as they took a lead just after 17 minutes into the game with Jill Roord opening the account for the Dutch with a fine shot.
The Netherlands’ domination continued for the remaining part of the first half. Meanwhile, in the 62nd minute of the game, Lindsey Horan answered from the four-time champions with an unstoppable header at the near post on Rose Lavelle’s corner.
The match ended 1-1, and with it ended USA’s tournament-record 13-match winning streak but they remain unbeaten in 19 straight Women’s World Cup matches with 15 wins and one draw, the longest in competition’s history.
The Americans had not drawn a Women's World Cup match since 2015 and will rue a slow start to the game as well as an inability to take their chances at the end.
"Even though it didn't finish the way we wanted (it) to finish I thought it was a good match for our team," said U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski.
"What you saw in the second half is what you're going to see going forward as a baseline."
It must be noted that both teams faced each other in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup final which the Americans won 2-0.
On the other hand, Portugal created history after winning against Vietnam 2-0 at the FMG Stadium in Waikato, New Zealand.
Portugal had a fantastic start as Telma Encarnacao scored not just the first goal of the game, but also her team’s first-ever Women’s World Cup goal.
Encarnacao scored after reaching Lucia Alves’ cross, meanwhile, the 20-year-old Kika Nazareth scored the second goal for Portugal with a calm and composed finish.
Portugal’s hopes are still alive as they are third in the group stage with three points, and with a win over the US, they can make their way into the round 16.