The highly anticipated rematch of the 2019 final proved to be a thrilling battle. The Dutch team dominated the first half, while the American team found their rhythm in the second half, creating a tense and nail-biting match.

The Netherlands took an early lead with a superb goal from midfielder Jill Roord in the 17th minute. At halftime, the United States found themselves behind in a World Cup match for the first time since 2011.

Horan scored for the four-time champions as she expertly headed the ball into the net from a corner taken by Rose Lavelle in the 62nd minute. Her perfectly timed run to the near post ensured the goal was unstoppable, leaving Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar with no chance to save it.

Soccer Football - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Group E - United States v Netherlands - Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand - July 27, 2023 Lindsey Horan of the U.S. celebrates scoring their first goal with Andi Sullivan and teammates. Photo: Reuters

Soccer Football – FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 – Group E – United States v Netherlands – Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand – July 27, 2023 Lindsey Horan of the U.S. celebrates scoring their first goal with Andi Sullivan and teammates. Photo: Reuters

The American team’s streak of not drawing a World Cup match since 2015 came to an end. They will likely regret their slow start in the game and their inability to capitalize on their chances towards the end.

“Despite not ending as desired, I believe the match served as a valuable experience for our team,” stated U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski.

“The performance displayed in the second half sets the standard that we will consistently maintain moving forward.”

The United States currently leads Group E by goal difference over the Netherlands as they approach their upcoming match against Portugal next Tuesday. However, the Dutch team is highly optimistic about their chances of offsetting this advantage as they face Vietnam simultaneously.

“These games showcase intense battles from start to finish, demonstrating the significant evolution of women’s football,” stated Netherlands coach Andries Jonker.

Before the match, our objective was not a draw but to secure a victory. However, considering the U.S.’s exceptional performance in the second half, a draw became a desirable outcome for us.

The Netherlands took the lead with an impressive play that saw Lieke Martens penetrate the U.S. defence and advance into the attacking third. Victoria Pelova then provided a superb pass to Roord, who skillfully drilled the ball into the net from the edge of the box, leaving goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher with no chance to save it.

The American team responded promptly, with Trinity Rodman and Horan making attempts that were saved by Van Domselaar. However, they experienced another moment of concern in the 29th minute when Dominique Janssen narrowly missed scoring with a powerful shot just over the bar.

The United States team, who are chasing an unprecedented third consecutive title, showed great determination in the second half. Their efforts paid off when midfielder Horan scored the equalizer just after the sixty-minute mark.

Morgan, the striker, believed she had taken the lead a few minutes later by successfully shooting the ball into the net from a pass by Rodman. However, the goal was deemed offside.

In the 80th minute, Ertz made a crucial intervention to avert disaster for the American team. She skillfully blocked forward Esmee Brugts’s shot, which came as a result of a well-executed play by the Dutch.

During the match, as the United States pushed forward in their pursuit of a winning goal, Rodman’s shot missed the far post and Sophia Smith had her attempt cleared off the line by Martens. However, the Dutch team remained resolute and managed to secure a valuable point.

Soccer Football - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Group E - United States v Netherlands - Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand - July 27, 2023 Trinity Rodman of the U.S. in action with Netherlands' Sherida Spitse. Photo: Reuters

Soccer Football – FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 – Group E – United States v Netherlands – Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand – July 27, 2023 Trinity Rodman of the U.S. in action with Netherlands’ Sherida Spitse. Photo: Reuters

Soccer Football - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Group E - United States v Netherlands - Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand - July 27, 2023 Lindsey Horan of the U.S. with Netherlands' Danielle van de Donk after the match. Photo: Reuters

Soccer Football – FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 – Group E – United States v Netherlands – Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand – July 27, 2023 Lindsey Horan of the U.S. with Netherlands’ Danielle van de Donk after the match. Photo: Reuters

Soccer Football - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Group E - United States v Netherlands - Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand - July 27, 2023 Lindsey Horan of the U.S. with Netherlands' Damaris Egurrola after the match. Photo: Reuters

Soccer Football – FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 – Group E – United States v Netherlands – Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand – July 27, 2023 Lindsey Horan of the U.S. with Netherlands’ Damaris Egurrola after the match. Photo: Reuters
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