Auckland, Aug 1 (Representative) USA are facing up to a rematch with Olympic conquerors Sweden after a goalless draw with Portugal secured a spot in last 16 here on Tuesday, but enabled the Netherlands to leapfrog them at the top of Group E. The Portuguese head for home, but do so with pride and reputation bolstered after holding their own against this tournament’s record-champions and top-ranked team. While the reigning champions live to fight another day, this was another uninspiring and disjointed performance, maintaining the pattern of their opening two matches, the FIFA reported. News of the Dutch goal-fest in Dunedin merely increased the sense of nervousness around Eden Park, with the large US support groaning their way through a first half of few chances. The best of the opportunities fell, in fact, to the Portuguese, with Jessica Silva snatching at her shot and dragging the ball wide after being slipped through by the excellent Kika Nazareth. Lynn Williams, in for Trinity Rodman, caused the occasional problem at the other end, and Pereira did well to hold a header from the attacker with Alex Morgan poised for a tap-in.
Morgan herself was largely subdued, as she has been throughout this tournament, although the US No13 did burst into life in the second half, racing round the keeper only to see her shot blocked by the recovering Diana Gomes. By the end, though, the Americans seemed to know that the race for top spot was over, and were relieved simply to escape Eden Park with a knockout spot assured. There was even a heart-stopping moment in stoppage time when Portugal came within a whisker of progressing at their expense, rattling the post through Ana Capeta. Better will certainly be needed in the round of 16, particularly with Sweden – 3-0 victors in the side’s meeting at the Tokyo Olympics – the holders’ probable opponents. Portugal coach Francisco Neto said, “Our players were brilliant, they applied our strategy to the letter. In my opinion, we had the best opportunities in the game, but we weren’t able to score. Right now it hurts, but tomorrow there will be pride.
They are amazing, they gave everything they had. We only have words of thanks to these players. Of course, there are always things to improve, but on the other hand we came here to compete and we showed that we can.”Portugal forward Jessica Silva said, “I think we were the most competent team, and we leave with a bitter feeling. It’s hard to say what happened at that moment [the ball hitting the post], just a little bit of luck was missing. We are really very sad for the result, although proud of what we did, of having played like this against a team who have been world champions twice in a row. Look at us, don’t forget about us, please realise what Portugal has achieved. This competition will help us to grow, to evolve. People said we needed a miracle to move forward, but today we showed that this was not the case, that it was possible. Now it’s time to move on, we showed Portugal what we are.”