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- LINDSEY HORAN HEROICS POWERS US DRAW WITH DUTCH 🇺🇸🇳🇱
LINDSEY HORAN HEROICS POWERS US DRAW WITH DUTCH 🇺🇸🇳🇱
PLUS: Nigeria stun Australia, Portugal get first World Cup win, Group D goes again
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It’s Thursday, July 27th. Give us four minutes, we give you everything World Cup.
“I don't think you ever want to get me mad because I don't react in a good way, usually. I want to win more. I want to score more.”
- Lindsey Horan after firing the US level against the Netherlands, heading home her second goal of the tournament after a tussle with Lyon teammate Daniëlle van de Donk.
I. LINDSEY HORAN HEROICS POWERS US DRAW WITH DUTCH 🇺🇸🇳🇱
Yesterday in windy Wellington, the US escaped a deservedly-hyped 2019 World Cup Final rematch with just a point after drawing the Dutch. They now sit precariously in first place heading into their final match against Portugal, with an emphatic win likely necessary to remain first at the end.
Despite signs of early momentum, the Dutch struck first as Jill Roord (Manchester City) scored the first shot taken against the US in this World Cup.
Roord’s 17th-minute strike marked the first time the US trailed in a World Cup since 2011, when they fell behind Brazil in the quarter-final. Had they lost, it would mark the first World Cup loss since 2011 as well.
The Netherlands controlled the game from Roord’s goal until half-time arrived, changing the dynamic.
Most notably: Rose Lavelle came in, immediately shifting the coordination and power of a physical midfield battle. The US proceeded into the second half chipping away at the Netherland’s more dominant possession, while continuing to produce more shots. (The US outshot the Dutch 18-5 throughout the evening, though just 4-1 on target).
It was a moment of individual brilliance (and anger) in the end, that propelled the US team level. An infuriated Lindsey Horan scored a headed-goal off a corner (perfectly serviced to her by Rose Lavelle) immediately after scrapping with Lyon teammate Daniëlle van de Donk.
In the words of Sam Mewis, Live on Twitch with Rog and Becky last night: “She was just in a fight, and then immediately scored a goal”. (For more from Sam Mewis, LISTEN HERE).
While the US looked lethal in flashes from there, forcing the Dutch to defend for their lives at one point toward the end, a major lingering question revolves around manager Vlatko Andonovski. Those questions begin with the starting line-up and tactical approach, as they failed to account for a Dutch-overload in the midfield, but continue to the curious decision not to make any substitutions beyond Rose Lavelle.
With both teams tiring and the Dutch under pressure, one imagines an in-form Lynn Williams with a fire in her belly having not played yet, could truly have stolen a late victory for the USA.
Alas, that opportunity was left on the table. And pre-existing questions relating to Vlatko now fester as we move on through the group.
II. Nigeria stun Matildas 3-2; co-hosts Australia must beat Canada to progress 🇳🇬🇦🇺🇨🇦
The Super Falcons halted early momentum for co-hosts Australia, as they came from behind to defeat the Matildas 3-2 in Brisbane.
Emily van Egmond (San Diego Wave) struck first to put the Aussies ahead in first-half stoppage time. But Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville) responded five minutes later to keep it even at the half.
Despite Australia’s continued control of the ball, Nigeria played a sleek attacking game on the counter, striking twice in seven minutes to claim the lead 3-1. Osinachi Ohale (Deportivo Alaves) netted her first, heading home the rebound off a corner. Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala followed with an angular miracle of a strike a mere eight minutes after subbing in.
Australia responded with one final, late goal. But Alanna Kennedy’s header from a corner in the ninth minute of stoppage time wasn’t enough to claim any points.
The victory marks trouble for the Matildas. The co-hosts now greet a formidable Canada this Monday in dire need of a win to ensure their journey continues. With somehow even more desperation, all eyes will be on the hopeful return of their star striker, Sam Kerr.
As for Nigeria, the win comes on top of a strong opening match against Canada, placing them first in the group of death. Credit is due to the remarkable cohesion and caliber of a team battling their own federation behind the scenes. Led by Randy Waldrum of Irving, Texas (who spent much of the preceding month at loggerheads with his employers), the Super Falcons have torn into this feared group with a remarkable force.
Nigeria’s post-match celebrations displayed all the emotions of what that means to them, from Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala’s “LET’S FUCKING GO!” to the locker room dance party in the aftermath.
III. Portugal sticks two goals on Vietnam to claim first WC win; Vietnam eliminated 🇵🇹🇻🇳
Vietnam joined Zambia, Costa Rica and Ireland as the fourth nation officially eliminated from the 2023 World Cup as they fell 2-0 to Portugal.
The Southeast Asian debutantes played a defensive, aggressive game that was once more notable for the instincts of outstanding goalkeeper Trần Thị Kim Thanh (Hồ Chí Minh City). Arguably their best player, Thanh came away with seven saves to keep the scoreline 2-0. (Thanh’s five saves played a major role against the US as well).
As for Portugal (who meet the US next for an Auckland affair capable of ending the USA’s tournament) the UEFA debutantes proved capable of offensive firepower to pair with defensive mettle, claiming their first-ever World Cup victory.
IV. COMING UP: Group D goes again 🏴🇩🇰🇭🇹🇨🇳
England vs. Denmark (4:30 a.m. EST, FS1, Peacock, Telemundo) 🏴🇭🇹
Join us live on Twitch at twitch.tv/meninblazers from 4:15 a.m. EST for England vs Denmark.
Both England’s Lionesses and De rød-hvide won their opening matches by miniscule, 1-0 margins. Denmark claimed victory over China with a 90th minute header off a corner. England snuck past Haiti with Georgia Stanway’s penalty. Tied on points, the two meet next to determine the top of Group D.
MORE: England’s Lionesses need Lauren Hemp to hit hot form
Programming Alert: 🚨 US Women’s National Team World Cup Winner Sam Mewis and Rog will Do It Live! on Amp tomorrow right at the final whistle of England vs Denmark. We cannot wait to raise a pint with you and answer your questions live on the Pod. Download the AMP app or listen on your laptop HERE. You can also tell your Alexa, “Hey Alexa, play Men in Blazers” while we’re live and you can listen in.
Haiti vs. China (7 a.m. EST, FS1, Peacock, Universo) 🇭🇹🇨🇳
Haiti’s first-ever World Cup match was a success in so far as holding the champions of Europe to one singular goal (off a penalty). The Concacaf newcomers will look to improve on those gains against The Steel Roses, who are current champions of Asia. With Haiti’s Melchie Durmonay (Lyon) among the key players to watch this World Cup, Les Grenadiers might just pull it off.
MORE: “It’s Hard to Root Against Haiti”: From The New York Times, on why you should cheer on the “scrappiest, most resilient underdog” in this tournament.
V. NEWS AND NOTES:
From Martin Rogers over at FOX Sports, a breakdown of how every team can progress to the Round of 16.
“The gap is closing at the Women’s World Cup”: the AP takes a look at the underdogs doing well
Canada has a big test against Australia Monday, and their long-time leader, Christine Sinclair, has a legacy that goes beyond mere goals
VI. PARTING SHOTS:
“Watch out for your ankles with Dan” - Lindsey Horan predicted the looming on-field feud with club-teammate Daniëlle van de Donk in a conversation with Rog this week. Check it out in our Direct from Down Under series presented by Bud Light. LISTEN HERE.
