It’s do-or-die for the USWNT as they prepare to face Portugal in the last match of the group stage. After a disappointing 1-1 draw with the Netherlands, the USWNT is only first in their group due to goal differential. In order to advance to the round of 16, the USWNT must win or draw against Portugal, or Vietnam must beat the Netherlands.
Portugal is ranked 21st overall, but fans shouldn’t consider them to be an easy opponent for the USWNT. Colombia, ranked 26th, took down Germany on Sunday. Plus, the USWNT has had difficulties finishing their scoring chances and staying onside. While it is very likely that the US wins this match, I wouldn’t count on it being a blowout win, especially since Portugal still has a chance to advance to the knockout round.
Score prediction: USA 2, Portugal 0
Players to watch
Kika Nazareth is the future of Portuguese soccer. The midfielder missed Portugal’s World Cup debut match against the Netherlands due to injury, and her absence was noticeable. Nazareth was healthy and started in the match against Vietnam, where she scored the second and final goal of the match. She offers a creative spark in the midfield, which could prove troublesome for the USWNT.
Lindsey Horan is the only USWNT player to score in each of the team’s matches this year. If she scores against Portugal, she will become the first USWNT player to score in all three group-stage matches in a World Cup. Horan is a gritty midfielder who isn’t afraid to get physical, and everyone who watched the Netherlands match learned that she WILL score when she’s angry.
Bonus player to watch: Lynn Williams is the only forward with no playing time during the first two matches. Fans and analysts don’t understand why such a talented player hasn’t made her World Cup debut yet, because she has the ability to change the momentum of a match. While Vlatko seems to be set on starting Sophia Smith, Alex Morgan, and Trinity Rodman up top, look for Williams to be a game-changer when she is subbed on.
Will the USWNT move on to the round of 16, or will they face their earliest World Cup elimination in team history? Will Vlatko make more than one substitution in this match? Can Portugal continue to give opposing teams headaches? Find out tonight at 3:00 am ET on Fox or Telemundo. Can’t get enough women’s soccer? Tune into Paramount+ to watch the 2023 NWSL season. Follow me on Twitter and check out Beyond Women’s Sports for more sporting news.
