Portugal vs USWNT, summary: Capeta post, score, goals & highlights | Women’s World Cup 2023
Portugal vs USWNT: as it happened
Portugal's Ana Capeta had the chance to eliminate the USWNT from the Women's World Cup with a goal in stoppage time, but the near miss denied them. Here's how that key moment unfolded.
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The USWNT did not impress in the group stage, finishing second, and may find themselves up against a tough opponent in the Round of 16.
Here are the potential opponents that they can face in the next round...
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That's all for the AS USA live coverage of the Portugal 0-0 USWNT.
A frustrating result for the US, who will be counting their blessings that Ana Capeta's shot was a few inches to the right.
Thanks for joining and be sure to check out the rest of the site for all the latest Women's World Cup news!
Joe
Full time report:
No goals in the final Group E game as the USWNT squeeze past a resilient Portugal side after a 0-0 draw that could have been so different.
Ana Capeta hit the post with just seconds to spare after a US performance that failed to convince for 98 minutes. While Vlatko's side had their fair share of possession, it was not a convincing result for the team looking to win their third consecutive World Cup.
Jéssica Silva caused havoc running behind the back line of the US, and in possession Horan and co. could not break down the block that Francisco Neto set up.
Chances were few and far between, and Ines Pereira in the Portugal net did not have a single big save to make all game, with the opportunities for the world champions to score never truly threatening the scoreboard.
Vlatko definitely has work to do ahead of the Round of 16 game, and he will have to set up his team without Rose Lavelle, who saw a yellow card in the second half.
FULL TIME
THE USWNT ARE THROUGH TO THE ROUND OF 16.
One minute to play...
O'Hara and Thompson ON
Dunn & Morgan OFF
Rapinoe misses the ball completely as she sees her name in lights and goes for a spectacular volley from the edge of the box.
I've never seen the USWNT so nervous in a game before, this is completely new territory.
NAEHER MISSES THE BALL FROM A CROSS AND THE USA SURVIVE AGAIN
Rapinoe's cross was fumbled out of play by the forward... a huge sense of nerves is tearing through Eden Park as we enter the final 5 minutes.
MORGAN MISSES FROM INSIDE THE BOX
Ana Capeta was sent through the lines and in behind the USA defence before she fired a low shot underneath Naeher and off the post!
CAPETA WAS INCHES AWAY FROM SENDING THE USA OUT OF THE WORLD CUP
OFF THE POST FROM PORTUGAL!!!!
8 added minutes.
Rodman can't keep a header in play and Portugal survive another wave of attack from Vlatko's side.
The last time the USA failed to score in a group game was in 2015, against Sweden.
And goalkeeper Pereira has stayed down...
Ines Pereira goes down and Portugal get a free kick.
Corner for the USA...
The Netherlands are 0-7 up against Vietnam.
The attacker crept into the box and slipped past Borges before firing a shot from the left side low and into the palms of Ines Pereira.
MORGAN SHOOTS ON GOAL. PEREIRA SAVES.
Sonnett & Rodman ON
Williams & Horan OFF
One goal against could see the USA out of the World Cup...
Hearts in mouths as Naeher eventually collects a cross from the left that was originally dropped. Portugal are finishing the game very strongly.
Jéssica Silva nearly spins away from Girma who is forced to take her down and gets a booking for her efforts.
Ines Pereira comes flying out of her goal to clear a dangerous through ball that was destined for Alex Morgan, who was racing in behind the Portugal defence.
Less than fifteen minutes to go.
Screams and shouts can be heard from the players in white, who are clearly finding this game an extremely tough task...
The creative spark from the USA is still missing, as Alex Morgan plays a wild, long-range ball up field to absolutely nobody.
And Gomes is booked for the challenge.
Ouch. Diana Gomes takes out Alex Morgan, who looks to be in some pain.
The cheer every time Rapinoe gets on the ball is simply extraordinary.
Portugal have had a nice spell of possession, passing in slick triangles in and around the US midfield, who can't get on the ball.
And we're back underway.
Good news as Diana Silva looks OK to carry on.
Here's Rapinoe as she entered the field
The forward has already been a creative outlet for the side.
We have a slight stoppage as ex-Aston Villa forward, DianiSilva, is down after clashing with Lynn Williams.
Morgan wins a corner after a ball from Rapinoe is fed through the lines: all of a sudden the USA look like their half-time oranges have had the desired effect.
Jacinto ON
Kika Nazareth OFF
Rapinoe ON
Smith OFF
A deep ball over the top from Lavelle is met by Lynn Williams whose header flies wide of the post.
WILIIAMS HEADS WIDE!
This is better from the USA. Lavelle seems to have taken the game to Portugal.
Lavelle goes on a driving run again and looks to be brought down on the edge of the box... but the referee says no foul.
Rapinoe is warming up!
The Netherlands go 0-6 ahead...
Lavelle does well to step in, take the ball from midfield and drive forward, but her pass left to Smith is overhit and flies out for a goal kick. A wasted chance.
MORGAN HEADS OVER THE BAR
The USWNT now have a free-kick right on the corner of the box...
Carole Costa is booked for a foul on Morgan.
Horan steps in to intercept a pass from Norton, and breaks through the lines.
Her pass through to Morgan is brilliant but the striker can't make contact before the angle becomes too small for her to pass around the goalkeeper.
BIG CHANCE FOR MORGAN
Smith booked for a foul on Diana Silva.
There is no solidity in possession for the USA, who look timid and reserved, and are allowing balls to bounce and run loose.
Are these nerves that are creeping in?
Portugal break with Di. Silva, who is brought down near halfway. The free-kick is launched in and the US defend with ease.
There's a siren going off in the stadium complex, which is very loud. No update as of yet as to what is it but it might just wake up the USWNT.
The cross is cleared and falls to Lavelle, who fires way over the bar from the edge of the box.
Ertz is lining up a free-kick from deep after Rose Lavelle was fouled near halfway. An early chance to cause trouble...
A reminder of the state of play:
The US will go through if they draw or win; a loss and it's game over for the three-peat.
Second half underway
And we're off again!
Here come the players for the second half!
45 minutes to go - let's see how it goes!
A frustrating afternoon so far...
Let's see if Vlatko decides to change anything for the second half. For now, Portugal definitely look more comfortable than their opponents.
The USA have had just 3 shots on target, 5 in total.
Ines Pereira has not had much to do and Vlatko certainly will be looking to make some improvements for the second half, as the confidence levels of Portugal don't look to be going anywhere.
The best chance of the game came for Lynn Williams, who somehow managed to hit a close-range effort over the bar from close range. But apart from that, the US have been largely frustrated by a Portugal side who look like they could defend for another 45 years.
The press looked positive in the opening stages but Portugal rode out the wave and bounced back, looking lively on the counter and causing the US problems with delightfully weighted through balls from deep towards Jéssica Silva, who has been a ball of lightning in a red shirt.
Half-time!
No goals in the first half.
Ines Pereira flaps away a Sullivan corner before saving a volley from Lyn Williams. Easy.
2 added minutes.
Dunn tries to break through the defensive block but she fails at the first hurdle, being stopped by three defenders who crowd her out instantly.
The Netherlands are currently 0-5 up.
Borges is brought down by SophiaSmith, who looked like she made that somewhat unnecessary foul out of frustration.
Nazareth tries her luck from distance and almost skims the top of the goal.
Bad news for the US as Rose Lavelle goes in tough and gets a booking, meaning she will miss the game in the Round of 16.
The confidence the Portuguese players are showing is fizzing from their red shirts; the US, on the other hand, have had a few moments where clean possession has been in short supply.
Now it's Naomi Girma who is tasked with cutting out a ball from Nazareth towards Jéssica Silva. The US look disjointed as things stand, and they can't find any connections between the lines.
Ertz covers well to slice away another deep through ball, this time aimed towards Di. Silva on the left side of attack.
Portugal are batting away the US crosses - mainly from the left - like they were born to do it.
Vlatko's side seem to be struggling for ideas on how to get through their confident defensive unit.
Nerves from the US as Jéssica Silva's cross is allowed to bounce, putting Fox into panic mode and hoofing a clearance into the air. Breathe.
The USWNT attack with Morgan who does fabulously well to carry the ball across the byline on the left side before playing to Williams in the six yard box - who somehow manages to spoon a shot over the bar!
WHAT A HUGE MISS FROM LYNN WILLIAMS
We're back underway and Ines Pereira is OK to carry on.
Portuguese goalkeeper Pereira is down after clashing with an American player while challenging for the ball.
This game feels like it needs grabbing by the scruff of the neck and dragging around the room.
Neither team can impose their plan on the pitch and that sneaky Portugal attack is looming over the US like a shadowy figure in a long coat and a top hat.
... Vietnam 0-4 The Netherlands
*Narrator's voice*
Meanwhile, The Netherlands have gone 3-0 up.
This game has suddenly flipped and the US look rattled after that chance.
Portugal have stepped up 10 metres and are pushing their opponents back into their own box.
A terrific ball from deep finds the fantastic run of Silva who slips in behind the US defence, slicing a shot wide as Naeher rushes out to close the gap.
As things stand in the group, the USWNT can't afford any cheap giveaways like that.
JESSICA SILVA SHOOTS JUST WIDE
Sophia Smith breaks down the left and plays a wonderful, whipping cross to the far post that is headed back across goal by Williams, but Pereira is first to it as Morgan hunts for any scraps.
BIG SAVE FROM PEREIRA
The Netherlands are 0-2 up.
Jessica Silva looks like the most likely candidate to create something for Portugal, as she's already made a few sly runs in behind the defence.
As of yet, nothing has quite reached her, but the intent is definitely there.
In the other game, The Netherlands are currently 0-1 up against Vietnam, thanks to a goal from Lieke Martens.
They are now top as things stand.
AlexMorgan has had her Weetabix this morning, and is pressing poor Borges like she owes her money.
Portugal can't get hold of the ball in the opening stages, as the US press is mighty and forcing them into error after error.
Andonovski's side are controlling the ball well, switching from left to right with Horan the key metronome in the middle third.
Fantastic work from the US; this time it's Lavelle who gets in behind the Portuguese defence and plays a pass across goal to Morgan, whose shot is deflected wide.
BIG CHANCE FOR MORGAN
It's a furious start from Andonovski's side, who are pressing their European opponents like wild animals.
The USWNT start strongly, breaking down the right with Fox. Her cross is played in towards Morgan but the striker can't get a clean header on the ball.
CHANCE
And we're off!
The USWNT kick us off from right to left.
The Portuguese definitely know how to sing a national anthem; I'm pretty certain Jessica Silva was even bobbing her head. They'll have real actions by the time the next World Cup comes round.
Here come the teams!
The two teams step out onto the pitch!
A reminder of the starting XIs:
Portugal [3-5-2]:
Pereira
Borges* - Costa - Gomes*
Pinto - Norton - Nazareth - Do. Silva - Amado
J. Silva* - Di. Silva
***
USWNT [4-3-3]:
Naeher
Dunn - Ertz - Girma - Fox
Lavelle* - Horan* - Sullivan
Smith - Morgan - Williams
*yellow card away from suspension
Fifteen minutes to go!
The players are finishing their warmups on the pitch at Eden Park and are getting ready to head down the tunnel for the final team talk before kick-off!
Here is the information you need if you want to watch the Seleção das Quinas take on the Stars and Stripes in the final round of Group E games.
Of course, make sure to stick with me (Joe) for the searing analysis and fun chat as I talk you through the laughter and the tears at the World Cup.
Players who are one yellow away from missing the next round:
USWNT: Lindsey Horan and Rose Lavelle are both one booking away from missing the Round of 16 tie.
Portugal: As for Portugal, three players are at risk of missing the next round, should they make it through: A. Borges, D. Gomes and J. Silva.
Training has begun!
The US have stepped out onto the pitch at Eden Park to a huge roar and their pre-game warmup is well underway!
In just over under half an hour they'll be stepping out again, ready to hear that first whistle in the final game of Group E!
As Vlatko and co look to find World Cup number three of three, Cal takes a look at the success that has led them to being described as the greatest women's team of all time.
Two consecutive World Cups? Completed it. Three? They're certainly up for the challenge.
The group stage in 2023 has not been what we have seen in previous editions of the showpiece tournament for the side, but wins are wins and The USWNT have one foot in the next round: a positive result today can definitely carry them forward going into the knockout stages.
Reminisce beautifully with Cal as he walks through the past successes of this legendary side.
My, oh my...
The US fans are out in full force for this one!
And wait until they hear Lynn Williams and Rose Lavelle are both starting!
Which other teams have already qualified?
We currently know two of the Round of 16 ties that will be played, pus one of the teams for another fixture.
The first one up is Spain vs Switzerland. La Roja were thumped 4-0 against Japan in their final group game yesterday, meaning that Jorge Vilda's side finished second behind their Asian opponents, setting up a tie against Switzerland, who came top of their group with 5 points.
Japan, having won Group C, will play the arguably trickier game, against Ada Hegerberg, Caroline Graham Hansen and co when they take on Norway.
Australia and Nigeria made it through Group B at the expense of World Cup debutants Ireland and Olympic Champions, Canada, who are the first big nation to fall at this early stage. They'll play against the Group D winner and runner-up.
The players have arrived!
The USWNT squad have arrived at the Milan Fashi- oh, no it's Eden Park stadium for a football game.
Anyway, they're looking fresh/sharp/insert your-own-Gen-Z-adjective with their attire ahead of kick-off.
An unfortunate mixture of injuries, timing and a stark lack of footballing talent meant I never got to make it as a professional player, and that's probably a good thing, as I'd never even attempt to pull off anything as eye-catching as that.
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Vlatko Andonovski was born on September 14, 1976, in Skopje, Yugoslavia (now North Macedonia).
He coached in Macedonia before moving to the US to manage Kansas City. In 2019 he replaced Jill Ellis as head of the United States Women's National Team.
Since being hired by the US Soccer Federation, Andonovski has had success on the field, but his salary does not reflect his achievements, with the 46-year-old earning much less than his male team counterpart, Gregg Berhalter.
Here's all you need to know on USWNT head coach, Vlatko Andonovski, and just how much he earns in his role.
Here's how Portugal line up:
I'm still waiting for the tweet, but this is the official starting XI for the Navegadoras...
Pereira
Borges, C. Costa, D. Gomes
T. Pinto, Norton, Kazareth, Do. Silva, Amado
Di. Silva, J. Silva
Here is the starting XI for the USWNT!
Alex Morgan starts as Lindsey Horan wears the armband alongside... Rose Lavelle!
Sophia Smith starts up top and Lynn Williams is also included in the side!
You may have heard the remarks from pundits regarding some of the players and their decision not to sing the national anthem ahead of the World Cup game against Vietnam.
Well, Naomi Girma, the USWNT centre-back, has had her say on the matter, responding to that exact question at a recent press conference. "out there, we're preparing for the game", she said, "every player has that choice".
See the full video of what Girma said in response to the controversy.
The players are on their way to the stadium!
Eden Park holds 50,000 people and I reckon the majority of them will be wearing the Stars and Stripes wrapped around their shoulders for this one!
Vlatko feels the pressure ahead of the game vs Portugal
The only thing that changed from 2019 to now is I just learned how to turn the pressure into excitement
For us the most important thing is getting into the knockout stage, first and foremost, we don’t want to look two, three, four steps forward. It’s the first step. Let’s make sure that we get into the next stage. If we start thinking too far ahead, our chance may never come.
How things look in the group so far:
1. USWNT | 4 points | +3 GD
2. TheNetherlands | 4 points | +1 GD
3. Portugal | 3 points | +1 GD
4. Vietnam | 0 points | -5 GD
The eagle-eyed mathematicians among you will be able to spot that Group E at the World Cup 2023 is definitely one of the more intriguing collections of teams we have at the tournament, with three teams still with a chance to progress to the Round of 16.
The USWNT beat Vietnam 3-0 in the opening game with a sense of 'job done' filling the air at the end of the game. It wasn't quite the 13-0 blood, thunder and guts win over Thailand at the start of the previous tournament, but the points are the same and they top the group.
The draw against The Netherlands, a team that not many would say have the quality anymore to get to the final (especially with the absence of Miedema due to injury) was a slightly frustrating result and put a mirror up to the USWNT squad, showing them that the task of achieving a third consecutive World Cup is not going to be an easy ride.
But hey ho, the US are top of the group and a positive result against the underdogs Portugal will see them slide into the Round of 16... they just have to make sure the banana skin on the floor doesn't get trodden on.
That's where Portugal come in: they can indeed progress today with what would be a shocking (and potentially disastrous) win over the USWNT. If that potential party pooper status isn't motivation, then I don't know what is.
The Netherlands, we assume, will cruise past Vietnam as the Asian side haven't managed to pick up any points as of yet, so I'm sorry to all you Vietnamese readers out there, but I think that result is indeed a foregone conclusion. Or is this all just fighting talk?
Here are all the permutations of Group E explained fully by Andy.
Team news:
Well, it looks like the USWNT are building up to get to top gear during this tournament, rather than the usual tactic of blowing everyone away from the start.
Rose Lavelle was always going to be the question mark hovering over the squad during this tournament and her injury has not gone unnoticed in midfield, with the inclusion of the OL Reign player a huge boost in the USWNT's 1-1 draw vs The Netherlands.
It remains to be seen whether or not she will be declared fit to start, but Lavelle's position in the lineup is certainly one that the US have failed to fill during this tournament.
That's theonly doubt in the two sides regarding injuries, but it's definitely one to keep an eye on.
Welcome!
Hello and welcome to the AS USA live coverage as the Women's World Cup group stage wraps up with a real beauty of a tie.
We've got Portugal taking on theUSWNT today in an all-or-nothing clash in Group E at Eden Park in New Zealand.