The United States narrowly avoided a defeat against the Netherlands in their second group-stage match at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. Captain Lindsey Horan saved the day with an unstoppable header in the second half, overturning the lead that the Dutch had taken through Jill Roord. Orange Lionesses nearly had handed the record-four-time champions experiencing their first World Cup defeat in 19 matches. Read the USA vs Netherlands match highlights as both teams played possibly the best match of the world cup so far.
First-half | USA vs Netherlands
The match kicked off with an intense tempo, with both teams displaying their attacking intent. Despite the USA dominating possession and consistently pressuring the Dutch defence, it was Netherlands who drew first blood against the run of play. In the 17th minute, Jil Roord made her mark with a superb goal, thanks to Lieke Martens’ brilliant long pass that found Victoria Pelova on the right flank. Pelova’s well-placed undercut from the right side of the box found Roord, who finished with clinical precision, giving the Dutch an early 1-0 lead.
Following the goal, the USA responded with even more determination, relentlessly attacking through the likes of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and veteran Alex Morgan. However, the Dutch defence, led by the composed trio of Sherida Spitse, Stefanie Van Der Gragt, and Aniek Nouwen Janssen, remained resolute, thwarting the American onslaught.
As the first half progressed, Netherlands managed to gain more control over the game, retaining possession and threatening the USA defence on the counter. The Dutch held on to their narrow lead and headed into the halftime break with a 1-0 advantage.
Second Half | USA vs Netherlands
The start of the second half saw a crucial change made by the USA coach, bringing on Rose Lavelle for Savannah Demelo. The substitution immediately injected pace and creativity into the American attack, causing trouble for the Dutch defence.
Rose Lavelle’s speed and vision opened up the Dutch defence, and she was instrumental in creating several chances for the USA. In the 62nd minute, her efforts paid off as she delivered a well-taken corner kick, finding the head of captain Lindsey Horan, who rose above the defence to powerfully head the ball into the back of the net, levelling the score at 1-1.
The goal lifted the spirits of the USA team, and they continued to apply pressure on the Netherlands, searching for the elusive winning goal. The final 30 minutes saw a series of intense exchanges, with both teams creating opportunities to take the lead.
In the closing stages of the match, the USA intensified their attacks, piling on the pressure and creating some dangerous moments in front of the Dutch goal. However, luck was on the side of Netherlands, as they managed to hold on to the 1-1 scoreline with some resilient defending and strong goalkeeping.
USA vs Netherlands | Match Details
Group – E
Date: 27th July 2023
Time: 6.30 am IST, 13:00 Wellington
Venue: Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
Where to watch: FIFA+, Fancode and DD Sports in India.
Key stats before the match
The United States of America boasts an impressive undefeated streak of 18 matches at the finals (excluding penalty shootouts). Remarkably, the Netherlands has successfully advanced to the knockout phase in both of their previous appearances at the finals.
This match will be the first time in FIFA Women’s World Cup history the last tournament’s finalists face each other in the group stage.
USA vs Netherlands | LIVE Blog
Playing XIs
USA: Alyssa Naeher, Naomi Girma, Julie Ertz, Savannah Demelo, Lindsey Horan (C), Sophia Smith, Alex Morgan, Andi Sullivan, Crystal Dunn, Trinity Rodman, Emily Fox
Netherlands: Daphne Van Domselaar, Stefanie Van Der Gragt, Jill Roord, Sherida Spitse (C), Katja Snoeijs, Dainelle Van De Donk, Lieke Martens, Jackie Groenen, Victoria Pelova, Dominique Janseen, Esmee Brugts
LIVE Score: USA 1-1 NED | USA vs Netherlands
1′ | Kick off
USA with no change in their squad. Meanwhile, the Netherlands were forced to make one change as Lineth Beerenstyen is injured. Katja Snoeijs repalces her.
5′ | Alex Morgan nearly misses a chance
Alex Morgan nearly had the first opportunity of the match after one of the Dutch defenders could not clear the ball out that well. Morgan also missed the ball.
9′ | Sophia Smith in action
Sophia Smith’s cute pass in between the Dutch defence had found Savannah Demelo who shoots it just wide of the goal.
15′ | USA looking better of two teams
We are into the first fifteen minutes of the match and surely USA won that period. With more attacks and ball positions, Demelo, Smith and Rodman have dominated the Dutch.
16′ | Goal for Netherlands | USA 0-1 NED
What a strike from Jill Roord. First, it was Lieke Martens whose brilliant long pass had found Victoria Pelova. Pelova’s undercut from the right of the box had found Roord who was ready to make her mark with an early goal. Her second world cup goal.
25′ | USA looking more dangerous but Netherlands up to the mark
USA trying to enforce more attacks from the wings and trying to have more shots on goal. However, the Dutch defence is not allowing them to have the finish they want.
29′ | Jansen shoots it over the bar
Dominique Janseen’s volley goes over the bar. The Netherlands are looking good with more ball control now.
35′ | Morgan nearly found Rodman
A typical Alex Morgan from the left of the box had nearly found Trinity Rodman at the centre of the box. However, Rodman was not able to get a hold of the ball. USA with back-to-back corners.
45′ | We are closing at the end of the first half
The backline of the Netherlands comprising Spitse, Van Der Gragt and Janssen has been very good. Although the USA have tried to break the backline, they have failed to do so. Alex Morgan looked in harmony with Trinity Rodman but USA forward line’s performance has been disappointing.
First half – USA 0-1 NED | USA vs Netherlands
The Netherlands have had the better of USA’s offensive plan. They look to have everything sorted against them. However, there will be more attacks from the current champions in the second half.
46′ | The second half starts: Changes for both teams
The second half starts at the Wellington Regional Stadium. Rose Lavelle replaces Demelo for USA. Meanwhile, Stefanie Van der Gragt is replaced by Aniek Nouwen for the Netherlands.
50′ | First yellow of the match
Rose Lavelle receives the first yellow card of the match.
55′ | Rose Lavelle making things happen
Rose Lavelle is trying to make things happen with her speed after coming as a substitute. A beautiful run from the right side of the box had nearly created an opportunity for them. Sherida Spitse with the important intervention for Netherlands.
62′ | Captain America equals for USA | USA 1-1 NED
A brilliant header from the USA captain Lindsey Horan. A brilliant run to get to the ball and what a finish from Rose Lavelle’s perfect corner. It’s all square at the Wellington Regional Stadium. USA 1-1 NED.
67′ | Goal but denied
A brilliant ball from Trinity Rodman had found Alex Morgan who was just offside on this occasion. USA looking ominous.
80′ | Chance for Esmee Brugts
Surely the best play from the Dutch team in the second half. Brugts’ shot was certainly going for the goal but an important deflection from Julie Ertz keeps it 1-1!
81′ | Nearly a goal from Sophia Smith
Rodman’s pass had found Sophia Smith on the left. However, she had to shoot with a narrow-angle to the right of the goal. It is wide by an inch.
83′ | Sophia misses the volley
Another set piece from Rose Lavelle had found Sophia Smith on the right of the box. Sophia could not keep the volley down. Netherlands look nervous.
90′ | 5 minutes are added
Five added minutes to the full quota of 90 minutes.
Full time | USA 1-1 NED
It is 1-1 in Wellington after a hard-fought battle. The game had lived up to all the hype. The Netherlands will be happy to share the points with the Champions. Meanwhile, the USA will be delighted to escape a defeat after conceding first.
