Sports Desk, Jul 27 (EFE).- Reigning champions the United States battled back to draw 1-1 with the Netherlands to leave the two teams level on points atop Group E in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, while co-hosts Australia fell 3-2 to Nigeria, complicating the Matildas’ chances of advancing.
The Portuguese women posted their first-ever win in the competition at the expense of Vietnam, eliminated after the 2-0 defeat.
The US, chasing a record third straight World Cup, faced off with the Oranje in a rematch of the 2019 final.
Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman led the US charge in the opening minutes in Wellington, New Zealand, but the Dutch drew first blood, going ahead in the 17th minute on a goal by Jill Roord.
Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar did well to deny Rodman seconds later and a potential second Dutch goal by Dominique Janssen ended up on the roof of the net.
Midfielder Lindsey Horan brought the Americans level in the 62nd minute, beating Van Domselaar with a header off Rose Lavelle’s corner kick.
Alex Morgan appeared to give the US the lead five minutes later, but the goal was disallowed for offside and the Dutch withstood the American onslaught to earn a point.
The sides each have 4 points and the US have the edge on goal difference. The Americans face Portugal in the final group stage match, while the Dutch play Vietnam.
The Portuguese raced out to a 2-0 advantage after 21 minutes thanks to goals from Telma Encarnacao and Kika Nazareth and rolled to a comfortable victory over a Vietnamese squad that managed only one shot on target.
In Brisbane, Australia and Nigeria went to the break deadlocked 1-1 after goals in first-half stoppage time by Emily van Egmond and Uchenna Kanu.
Osinachi Ohale put the Nigerians ahead about mid-way through the second half and Asisat Oshoala made it 3-1 for the Africans in the 72nd minute.
Alanna Kennedy narrowed the deficit with a goal in the 100th minute, but the Australians ran out of time.
Nigeria and Canada lead Group B with 4 points each, 1 better than Australia. The Matildas and Canadians will square off in the final group stage match and the Nigerians will be in action against already eliminated Ireland. EFE lgv/dr
