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FIFA Women's World Cup

USWNT advance to Round of 16 at Women’s World Cup in nervy 0-0 draw vs Portugal

Photo courtesy US Soccer

The US Women’s National Team has qualified for the World Cup knockout stages, but it was a lot more harrowing than they — and the United States soccer fan base which has come to expect dominance and brilliance — came to expect, by playing Portugal to a 0-0 draw at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.

Portugal came the closest to winning this game as Ana Capeta struck the post early in stoppage time, which endured for eight minutes.

Maybe the closest the USWNT came to scoring, was shortly after the halftime break when Alex Morgan took it past the Portugal goalkeeper but had to stretch and saw her effort blocked by a defender in front of the net.

Another came in the 57th minute, but Morgan couldn’t finish in a crowded box on a free kick chance.

Portugal played like the better team for much of the night, with the edge in possession (56 percent to 44 percent) — while the U.S. attack kept coming, they couldn’t create ample waves of pressure and lacked creativity in the final third, with six shots on target.

The U.S. made a few changes to the lineup — starting midfielder Rose Lavelle and forward Lynn Williams.

In the 39th minute, Lavelle was booked for her second yellow card of the tournament, and will miss the round-of-16 matchup.

Second half subs included Megan Rapinoe for Sophia Smith in the 61st minute.

Despite a disjoine effort, Vlatko Andonovski and the U.S. players will live to fight another day, as they pushed for the go-ahead goal, but with very little quality in the build-up in the final third for much of the match.

Finishing as runners-up in Group E, the USWNT will likely face Sweden in the next round.  The Netherlands, who defeated Vietnam, 7-0, finished first in its group.

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John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

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