AUCKLAND, New Zealand — The United States women's national team needed only to avoid defeat against Portugal to advance to the knockout phase of the Women's World Cup. The reigning champions did that, but at the bare minimum, with a 0-0 draw and a performance that was far from inspiring.
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Vlatko Andonovski, 4 -- In his prematch news conference, the U.S. coach said he doesn't read or listen to any of the media coverage surrounding the team, but it feels like he got word that everyone was clamoring for Lynn Williams to start. She was bright in getting into the box and finding chances, but she suffered from the same finishing yips that have affected the rest of the team.
Most concerning is that the USWNT didn't seem to have a cohesive game plan, and again it was up to individual moments to decide the match. But that's nothing new in this era of the USWNT under Andonovski.
At least he remembered he could use subs this time. The USWNT switched to a double pivot late to hang on for the draw.
GK Alyssa Naeher, 5 -- Did what she needed to do but wasn't tested much. Naeher's near post made the biggest save of the game in stoppage time, denying Ana Capeta when she was through on goal.
Portugal was this close
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