Solid performances by several teams have made this FIFA Women's World Cup the tournament everyone wants to see. However, several teams are already facing elimination, as the stage is being set for an even bigger knockout round.
U.S. team continues to move forward
Following a draw against the Netherlands last night, the U.S. Women's National Team is currently tied with the Dutch on a total of four points. Their position at the top of the standings is due to a convincing 3-0 win over Vietnam and the Netherlands' narrow 1-0 win over Portugal. Securing a win or even a draw against Portugal would guarantee the U.S. a spot in the round of 16.
Group E can still be won by Portugal, while Vietnam's chances of qualifying for the round of 16 are now non-existent. Early Thursday morning, Portugal emerged triumphant over Vietnam with a 2-0 victory.
The match saw two remarkable goals scored in the first 21 minutes. This monumental victory serves as a historic milestone for Portugal's women's national team. Notably, the success came after coach Francisco Neto made significant changes by replacing seven players in the starting eleven that had secured a 1-0 lead against the Netherlands.
In just the seventh minute, Telma Encarnacao deftly found the net, while later, in the 21st minute, she unselfishly set up Kika Nazareth's magnificent goal.
In this match, Vietnam faced another defeat, however, they successfully scored five goals, a remarkable achievement after failing to score against the United States in both categories previously. Undoubtedly, playing against the Dutch and the United States is a source of immense pride for him, and fans ardently believe that this experience will serve as tremendous motivation.
Untimely save and VAR review: South Africa's opening goal against Argentina in the Women's World Cup https://t.co/IrY412RiEZ
- Infobae Deportes (@infobaedeportes) July 28, 2023
Nigeria defeats a World Cup host
Australia's vulnerable position led Nigeria to seize the opportunity and score three consecutive goals, increasing the risk of their devoted supporters being banned from the Women's World Cup. A corner kick gave Osinachi Ohale the chance to secure a 2-1 lead in the 65th minute, while substitute Asisat Oshoala remarkably scored three goals just seven minutes later to transform the score to 3-2.
Oshoala exhibited an impressive display of skill when he confidently unleashed a thumping strike to secure the first goal. Ohale, on the other hand, deftly guided the ball into an unprotected net with an accurate header, unfortunately taking a heavy blow to the chest as a result.
In the first moments of stoppage time in the first half, Emily van Egmond propelled Australia forward by scoring a brilliant goal. However, just before halftime, Uchenna Kanu managed to restore the balance of the match by leveling the score.
Australia, despite the absence of key player Sam Kerr, who remained sidelined due to a calf injury, competed in the tournament. In addition, both Mary Fowler and Aivi Luik were unable to participate due to separate concussions sustained during training sessions.
As a result of their win, Nigeria and Canada are now behind Australia's B team, each with four points. The current standings place Australia in third position, having secured three points and a draw. To secure their advancement, the Australians must defeat Canada on Monday.
