Connect with us

2023 Women's World Cup

USWNT, Canada and more World Cup teams heading for a Match Day 3 like no other

United States midfielders Savannah DeMelo and Andi Sullivan sit at a podium with the USWNT crest on it and answer questions from journalists.
(Photo Copyright Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports)

The United States women’s national team needs a result in Tuesday’s World Cup Group E finale against Portugal. Canada is in for one of the most intense group matches the Women’s World Cup has ever seen against hosts Australia. England has the maximum six points so far but is not out of the woods for advancement and may lose midfielder Keira Walsh for the remainder of the tournament. The deepest field this tournament has ever seen has us set up for a Match Day 3 like no other.

U.S. needs draw to ensure advancement

It shouldn’t be a big deal for the United States to need a draw against Portugal to advance out of their group (they can also lose and go through if Vietnam upsets the Netherlands). But everything seems to be a big deal for this team over the last few years. Head coach Vlatko Andonovski trotted out the same starting XI against Netherlands as he did for the opener against Vietnam and used a single sub in an eventual 1-1 draw against the Dutch. Yes, the USWNT dominated the second half and could well have secured all three points, but it also never felt like it found a rhythm.

This leaves some questions ahead of the Portugal match.

Advertisement
Access the best women’s soccer coverage all year long
Start your FREE, 7-day trial of The Equalizer Extra for industry-leading reporting and insight on the USWNT, NWSL and beyond.

Your account

Advertisement

MORE EXTRA

More in 2023 Women's World Cup