Photo Credit: Hannah Peters – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
USA escaped with a 0-0 draw against Portugal as they met in front a bumper crowd of 42,958 at Eden Park in Auckland.
The Portuguese dominated possession for most of the first 45 minutes but neither side enjoyed much in the way of chances with the goalkeepers not significantly tested as the half wore on.
Jessica Silva had Portugal’s best chance when played through in the right-hand channel but she dragged her effort wide of Alyssa Naeher’s right-hand post.
The defending champions lifted their game in the second half but continued to struggle, with Alex Morgan having a handful of half chances to break the deadlock. The best coming when she rounded goalkeeper Ines Pereira but her effort from a tight angle was blocked well by Diana Gomes.
Portugal looked the more likely to clinch a dream victory as the minutes ticked over ninety. Substitute Ana Capeta having a golden chance when played through on goal, only to see her low right-footed effort cannon back off the post, with American hearts’ in mouths around the stadium.
The draw, coupled with Netherlands win over Vietnam in the evening’s other match, means the USA finish second in the group and will meet the winners of Group G in the Round of 16 on Sunday.
Portugal: 0
USA: 0
HT: 0-0
Netherlands scored five first half goals to ease past Vietnam in Dunedin and into the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup™.
Lieke Martens gave the Dutch an 8th minute lead with a delicate lob on the stretch between two defenders, before Danielle Van de Donk’s excellent reverse ball found Katja Snoeijs, who smashed past Vietnamese goalkeeper Thi Kim Thanh Tran to make it 2-0.
Esmee Brugts had the pick of the goals with an fantastic effort from outside the box, which dipped into the far corner. Jill Roord then side-footed home from 6 yards to make it four.
A fifth arrived in the final minutes of the half when Van de Donk turned the ball in after Roord’s initial effort had been well saved by Tran.
The Dutch didn’t let up in the second period and Brugts helped herself to another highlight reel goal, almost identical to her first, as she opened up her body and bent an effort into the corner to make it 6-0.
A seventh arrived with minutes left of the 90 when Roord got her second, getting her head to a free-kick and nodding past Tran.
Victory ensures the Netherlands top Group E and will face the second place team from Group G in the Round of 16 on Sunday.
Vietnam: 0
Netherlands: 7 (Lieke MARTENS 8′, Katja SNOEIJS 11′, Esmee BRUGTS 18′, 57′, Jill ROORD 23′, 83′, Danielle VAN DE DONK 45′)
HT: 0-5
England were dominant in their final group stage match, running out 6-1 winners over China as they confirmed their place at the top of Group D.
Having already won their opening two matches, the European champions found their groove in Adelaide, taking a 5th minute lead through Alessia Russo – her first of the tournament.
Lauren James – the match’s outstanding performer – then set-up Lauren Hemp to double the scoreline after 26 minutes before James herself got on the scoresheet in the final minutes of the half with an excellent finish from the edge of the box.
China were handed a route back into the game when Lucy Bronze handled in the area and Wang Shuang converted to pull it back to 3-1.
The result was put beyond doubt however in the 65th minute when James got her second and England’s fourth. A scoreline that was padded out in the final 15 minutes when first Chloe Kelly and then Rachel Daly scored as it finished 6-1.
Topping the group, England have now booked their Round of 16 tie with Nigeria, whilst China bow out.
China: 1 (WANG Shuang (P) 57′)
England: 6 (Alessia RUSSO 4′, Lauren HEMP 26′, Lauren JAMES 41′, 65′, Chloe KELLY 77′, Rachel DALY 84′)
HT: 0-3
Denmark overcame a tough challenge from Haiti to seal victory in Perth and confirm their passage to the knockout stages.
Having started brightly, the Danes were handed the perfect opportunity to settle any nerves when Dayana Pierre-Louis handled in the area in an attempt to block a pass.
Haiti knew they needed to win by two goals to advance but as the second-half wore on, it looked increasingly likely that it would be Denmark to find a the next goal.
It appeared to have arrived in the 84th minute but Harder’s nodded effort was ruled out for an earlier infringement via a VAR check.
Deep into stoppage time the clincher for the Danes finally arrived. Sanne Troelsgaard was released thanks to a fine through ball by Mille Gejl and her unerring finish across Haiti goalkeeper Kerly Theus found the far corner to settle matters.
A second place finish for Denmark in Group D sees them face co-hosts Australia in the Round of 16 whilst Haiti’s campaign comes to an end.
Haiti: 0
Denmark: 2 (Pernille HARDER (P) 21′, Sanne TROELSGAARD 90+10′)
HT: 0-1