USWNT Misses Victory against Netherlands in Intense Rematch of 2019 World Cup Final

USWNT held by Netherlands in feisty rematch of 2019 World Cup final

Hagen Hopkins – FIFA / FIFA / Getty

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — In a highly anticipated rematch of the 2019 Women’s World Cup final, the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) was held to a 1-1 draw by the Netherlands on Thursday. The feisty encounter saw Lindsey Horan score a revenge goal after being knocked down minutes earlier by Danielle Van de Donk. The result means that both teams remain unbeaten in 19 consecutive matches, but neither has secured a spot in the knockout round with one group match remaining.

Lindsey Horan’s Revenge Goal

The Dutch struck first with a goal from Jill Roord in the first-half, surprising the Americans. However, Lindsey Horan responded in the second half with a powerful header off a corner kick in the 62nd minute. This goal marked her 29th international goal and her fourth in the World Cup. The moment was made even more significant as it came minutes after Horan was knocked off her feet by Van de Donk. The tension between the two teams was evident as Horan directed curses towards her club teammate from Lyon. Before the ball crossed the goal line, Horan’s expression conveyed her confidence in hitting the target.

Group E Standings

With the draw, both the United States and the Netherlands sit atop the Group E standings with a win and a draw each. However, the U.S. has the edge for the lead due to their superior goal difference. Despite the strong performances from both teams, neither has secured a spot in the knockout round yet. The next group match will be crucial in determining their fate.

A Rematch to Remember

The match between the United States and the Netherlands was a highly anticipated rematch of the 2019 Women’s World Cup final, which the Americans won 2-0. This victory marked their second consecutive title and fourth overall in the tournament. The intensity of the final was evident in the feisty encounter between the two teams in today’s match.

Key Moments

In the 17th minute, Jill Roord scored for the Netherlands with a strike from atop the box that went through Horan’s legs. The goal caught the Americans off guard, and it was just the sixth time they had trailed at halftime in 52 World Cup matches.

The United States had several opportunities to equalize before halftime, but Horan’s header in the 36th minute went wide left. The pace of the game became more frenzied as halftime approached, with both teams vying for control of the match.

Injuries and Lineups

The United States faced the absence of veteran Becky Sauerbrunn, who injured her foot and was unable to play in the World Cup. Coach Vlatko Andonovski placed Julie Ertz, normally a midfielder, in a makeshift center-back position to compensate for Sauerbrunn’s absence.

On the other hand, the Netherlands was missing forward Lineth Beerensteyn, who was injured in their opening match against Portugal. Katja Snoeijs replaced her in the starting lineup against the United States. Additionally, the Dutch were without their leading scorer, Vivianne Miedema, who ruptured her ACL playing for Arsenal in December.

Implications for the Knockout Stage

The result of this match has significant implications for both teams’ prospects in the knockout stage. The top finisher in Group E will face the second-place finisher in Group G, which includes strong teams like Sweden, South Africa, Italy, and Argentina. The second-place finisher from Group E will face the top team from Group G. Therefore, securing first place in their group would provide a more favorable path to the later stages of the tournament.

Conclusion

The feisty draw between the United States and the Netherlands showcased the competitive spirit and drama that define the Women’s World Cup. The revenge goal by Lindsey Horan added a layer of excitement to a match that was already a closely contested affair. Both teams remain strong contenders in the tournament, and the upcoming group matches will determine their fate in the knockout stage. Fans of women’s soccer can look forward to more thrilling encounters as the tournament progresses.

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