Women’s World Cup Daily: USA, Netherlands set up dramatic Group E finale

There was no victor crowned in the rematch of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup final between the United States and the Netherlands Wednesday at Wellington Regional Stadium, but the 1-1 draw did set the stage for a dramatic last day of play in Group E. Then, Nigeria created some drama of its own against co-hosts Australia.

Here’s a review of everything that happened in Day 8 of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and a look-ahead at what’s to come in Day 9:

WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED

— Jill Roord opened the scoring for the Netherlands in the 17th minute of Wednesday’s match. The Netherlands are unbeaten (14W-2D-0L) in all matches Roord has scored in.

— Lindsey Horan responded with a goal for the U.S. in the 62nd minute. Horan has five goal contributions (a goal or an assist) in the six games she’s started at the Women’s World Cup.

United States vs. Netherlands Highlights | 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

— Horan’s scored her goal almost immediately after being tackled hard by Netherlands midfielder — and her Lyon teammate — Danielle van de Donk. Horan’s reaction to the tackle could have gotten her sent off had it escalated, but U.S. defender Julie Ertz served as her voice of reason on the field. “She was like, ‘Please don’t get another yellow card. Just score this goal to shut everyone up,'” Horan said. “And that’s what happened.”

— The USWNT would have been happy with a statement win on Wednesday, but the team also sees the value in having to come from behind to salvage a point. “It’s really about your momentum and coming together as a team in those moments of adversity,” Ertz said. “When you face that early on, I think that gives you confidence further along in the tournament.”

‘I got a little pissed at her’ — Lindsey Horan breaks down her goal

— With four points in two games, the USWNT is in a good position to advance to the round of 16 – however, they haven’t advanced yet. Here’s a full breakdown of what they need to do in the next match to secure their place in knockout stage.

— Telma Encarnação scored Portugal’s first-ever goal at the Women’s World Cup, which ultimately led to its first-ever win at the tournament. Portugal beat Vietnam, 2-0, making it the first Women’s World Cup debutant at this year’s tournament to reach the two-goal mark.

— Vietnam can no longer qualify for the knockout stage with the latest results in Group E.

Portugal vs. Vietnam Highlights | 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

— Nigeria came back from down 1-0 to upset Australia 3-2 in a thrilling match. Prior to Thursday, Nigeria had never won a women’s World Cup match its conceded first in, going 0W-3D-18L.

— Uchenna Kanu scored Nigeria’s first goal of the Women’s World Cup on its second shot on target of the tournament, according to FIFA.

— Asisat Oshoala became the first African player to score at three Women’s World Cups (2015, 2019, 2023).

Australia vs. Nigeria Highlights | 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

RECAPPING THE DAY

Assist of the Day: A clinical build up

The best pass in this play really belongs to Andreia Jacinto, whose perfectly-timed through ball gave Lucia Alves plenty of running room on the wing, but Alves’ cross in toward the box was also on time and on target. All that was left for Telma Encarnação to do was finish, and she did so with authority.

Portugal’s Telma Raquel Velosa Encarnacao scores goal vs. Vietnam in 7′ | 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

Save of the Day: Vietnam’s best player?

Though it came in an eliminating loss, Vietnam goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh had another outstanding day in goal, saving seven shots inside the box, including this one she had to run out for. She was arguably Vietnam’s best player in both matches.

Goal of the Day: The Great Horan

Who else could it be? Lindsey Horan’s powerful header not only earned the U.S. a crucial point against a strong Netherlands side, but it put the team in a position to control its own destiny going into the final day of group play.

USA’s Lindsey Horan scores goal vs. Netherlands in 62′ | 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

Must-See Moment: Fair play

Though Lindsey Horan and Danielle van de Donk were at each other’s throats during the match, they shared a nice moment after it. After all, they do have to see each other on the training ground when the European restarts in the fall.

LOOKING AHEAD

FOX Sports research numbers to know

86 — Minutes Argentina held Italy scoreless before Cristiana Girelli’s header handed Argentina its 1-0 opening loss. Argentina will be eliminated with a loss and a Sweden win/draw on Saturday.

Group G: Argentina vs. South Africa (coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET, with kickoff at 8 p.m. on FS1)

2,500 — Miles (approximately) from Perth to Sydney. Denmark played its opener in Perth and now travels west across Australia to play its second game. For England, it’s a much shorter journey: roughly 500 miles south from Brisbane.

Group D: England vs. Denmark (coverage begins at 4 a.m. ET, with kick off at 4:30 a.m. on FS1)

58 — Touches by 19-year-old sensation Melchie Durmonay in Haiti’s opening game against England. “Corventina” had 11 more touches than any of her teammates. Coming off a stellar season with Stade Reims (11 goals and six assists in 18 games), Durmonay is bound for French powerhouse Lyon after the Women’s World Cup. If she gets a goal, lookout for a backflip celebration.

Group D: China vs. Haiti (coverage beings at 6:30 a.m. ET, with kickoff at 7 a.m. on FS1)

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