Unstoppable Showdown: Lindsey Horan's Spectacular Equalizer Secures Nail-biting Draw for Reigning Champions USA in Women's World Cup Group E Faceoff
USA 1-1 Netherlands: Lindsey Horan's equalizer secures thrilling draw for champions in Women's World Cup Group E clash
USA fought back to secure a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in a thrilling Women's World Cup Group E match on Thursday, thanks to a second-half goal from co-captain Lindsey Horan. Both teams had numerous opportunities to claim victory in the action-packed final 20 minutes, making it a fiercely contested rematch of the 2019 final.
In the 17th minute, the Dutch took the lead with a magnificent goal from Jill Roord on the edge of the box. This resulted in the USA trailing at half-time in a World Cup match for the first time since 2011.
In the 62nd minute, Horan responded for the four-times champions by scoring a fantastic header from a corner taken by Rose Lavelle. Horan made an impressive run to the near post, overpowering the Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar with an unstoppable header.
The Americans had not experienced a draw in a World Cup match since 2015 and will be regretful of their early game performance as well as their failure to capitalize on scoring opportunities towards the end.
Currently leading Group E on goal difference over the Dutch, they will face Portugal in their last match next Tuesday. However, the Netherlands will likely be optimistic about overcoming this advantage as they go up against Vietnam simultaneously.
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Jill Roord of the Netherlands (far left) is praised by her teammates for her goal.
The Dutch team managed to break the deadlock when Lieke Martens skillfully penetrated the USA's defense, allowing the Dutch to advance into the attacking third. Victoria Pelova then cleverly passed the ball to Roord, who expertly drilled it past American goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.
The Americans responded swiftly with attempts from Trinity Rodman and Horan that were saved by the Netherlands goalkeeper. However, they were given a scare in the 29th minute when Dominique Janssen's powerful shot narrowly missed the target.
In the second half, the USA, who are pursuing an unprecedented third consecutive title, emerged with renewed determination. Their efforts paid off when Horan scored the equalizer shortly after the 60-minute mark.
Alex Morgan believed she had scored a goal a few minutes later after receiving a pass from Rodman and putting the ball into the net, but unfortunately, the referee deemed her offside.
In the 80th minute, Julie Ertz successfully averted potential catastrophe for the American team by intercepting Esmee Brugts' shot with her foot. This impressive defensive move came after the Dutch team executed a skillful play.
What is the schedule?
The group stage is underway and will last for two weeks until August 3. During this time, teams will compete in various matches to determine the group winners and runners-up. Those who succeed in their respective groups will then advance to the round of 16, scheduled to take place from August 5 to August 8.The quarter-finals are set to take place on August 11 and 12 in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane, and Sydney. Following that, the first semi-final will be held in Auckland on August 15, while the second semi-final will be at Accor Stadium in Sydney on August 16. The final will also be held at Accor Stadium on August 20.
A third-place play-off will be played the day before the final on August 19 in Brisbane.
