American women find themselves in unfamiliar World Cup territory
In a World Cup full of surprises, a team many thought would excel — the United States — has struggled.
In a 3-0 win over defensively brilliant Vietnam, the U.S. Women's National Team labored to score, and in a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands, the Americans played their worst first half in years.
Those moments triggered alarm bells for those accustomed to seeing the USWNT obliterate World Cup opposition. But the world is catching up to the Americans. A 13-0 demolition of Thailand in 2019 feels far away.
For the first time since 2015, the USWNT finds itself in a do-or-die situation before the knockout rounds even begin. It must win or tie against Portugal on Tuesday (3 a.m. ET) to ensure it advances to the next round of the Cup. If it loses and the Dutch win against Vietnam, the USWNT — the top-ranked team in the world — could be eliminated.
When the USWNT found itself in a similar situation in 2015, it beat Nigeria, 1-0, and followed it against Japan with its best performance of the tournament.
To hear American veteran Megan Rapinoe tell it, the USWNT loves these moments of intense scrutiny.
"I'm excited that we have a must-perform, must-win type of game," she told The Guardian, adding, "Every single game from here on out is that pressure moment."
The USWNT has everything it needs to rise to this "pressure moment." Young forwards Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and Rose Lavelle have starred for the United States. They have only been let down by less-than-stellar ball service from the middle of the field.
Brusque captain Lindsey Horan has gotten into opponents' faces and scored what may go down in history as the prettiest World Cup goal of all time. Foul Horan and get away with it? In your dreams.
The USWNT is 10-0-0 against Portugal, outscoring it 39-0, but it has improved since its last game against the Americans in 2021. Portugal is an organized, disciplined side that has advanced by playing strong defense.
It hasn't allowed more than a goal per game since the European Championships in 2022. The USWNT is unlikely to crush Portugal by multiple goals.
In her fourth World Cup cycle, Rapinoe is used to the high highs and low lows of USWNT coverage, from titles in 2015 and 2019 to the team's often-controversial stands on gender equality and LGBTQIA+ rights.
"I think being on the U.S. Women's National Team kind of always feels like this," Rapinoe said. "When you're at the top, you're always looking to get better."
The USWNT should have enough talent and firepower to win, but don't be shocked if things get tense. The Americans aren't slowing — its competitors are simply getting up to speed.
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