With a Little Luck, U.S. Advances in Women’s World Cup

The U.S. faced Portugal in its final Group Play match in the World Cup, and barely escaped elimination. The teams played to a 0-0 draw, but Portugal missed a late opportunity to score when striker Ana Capeta hit the goal post. A victory by Portugal would have eliminated the defending champion United States.

As it is, the U.S. finished second in Group E behind the Netherlands, and will advance to the 16 team knockout round. The next match for the U.S. will be August 6th. The opponent will be the Group G Champion, most likely Sweden. The Swedes are coming off a 5-0 blowout over Italy, and face last place Argentina in their final Group match. The U.S. will be without Rose Lavelle in the next match; she picked up a second yellow card in Goup play and is out for the next match. In the Olympics two years ago, Sweden beat the U.S. 3-0. The road is getting tougher for a three-peat.