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USWNT take on Portugal

By Ali Jawad

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 22: Megan Rapinoe #15 of the United States plays the ball under pressure from Ngan Thi Vạn Su #21 of Vietnam during the second half of the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group E match between USA and Vietnam at Eden Park on July 22, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Robin Alam/USSF/Getty Images )
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 22: Megan Rapinoe #15 of the United States plays the ball under pressure from Ngan Thi Vạn Su #21 of Vietnam during the second half of the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group E match between USA and Vietnam at Eden Park on July 22, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Robin Alam/USSF/Getty Images ) /
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The United States women’s national team will enter the final play of the group stage in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup against Portugal.

The results have been promising for the US. A 3-0 victory over Vietnam in their first match, followed by a 1-1 draw in a tight contest against the Netherlands in their second match. Now the biggest test awaits against Portugal.

At least a draw would allow the US to advance to the knockout stage, but a win would likely lock up Group E for the US. Of course, the US must pay close attention to the Netherlands’ matchup against Vietnam. Ultimately the goal differential could decide the winner of this group.

Conversely, Portugal looks to keep their slim hopes alive in their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance. Portugal fell short in a tight but competitive game against the Netherlands 1-0. However, a few days later, the squad would earn their first-ever world cup victory against Vietnam 2-0.

While the USA is the favorite in Tuesday’s match, let’s not forget that anything can happen.

Let’s look at the preview as we head into this final group-stage matchup.

About the match

Date: Tuesday, August 1st

Time: 3:00 AM EST

Channel: Fox and Fox Sports App

Location: Auckland, New Zealand

What to know about the USA heading into this matchup:

USA currently sits atop Group E and has a goal differential of +3. While the chance to win the group stage is in the US favor, as always, crazy things can happen on the grand stage of this worldwide event.

Even the defending champions and the best teams will face obstacles. The US overcame a 1-0 deficit at halftime against the Netherlands thanks to a Lindsey Horan goal. While Portugal may not present the challenge the Netherlands did for the US, they will likely present one tougher than the opening matchup against Vietnam.

The 1-1 draw against the Netherlands could serve as a wake-up call for the US, as tougher competition will lie ahead in the knockout stage.

The USWNT is 9-0-1 in its last ten contests.

Lindsey Horan and Sophia Smith lead the US with two goals scored each.

The August 1 matchup in Auckland will be the 11th meeting of all-time between the USA and Portugal and the fifth in the last six years. The U.S. has won all ten previous meetings and has outscored the Portuguese 39-0 overall in the series, though two of the last four meetings have been decided by a single goal.

What to know about Portugal heading into this matchup:

Portugal is still alive to earn a spot in a knockout stage

Portugal attempted 28 shots in a 3-0 win over Vietnam, while their defense held Vietnam to just six shots

Telma Encarnaco scored the first goal in Portuguese Women’s World Cup history

Portugal can qualify for the knockout stage with a win over the USA or a tie over the US and a Netherlands loss to Vietnam.

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