Day 8 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup was full of drama, featuring an ill-tempered rematch of the 2019 final and a tournament co-host suffering a shocking loss that puts its chances of advancing in serious jeopardy.
The Results
Group E: United States 1, Netherlands 1 (in Wellington) – Game stats || Report
Group E: Portugal 2, Vietnam 0 (in Hamilton) – Game stats || Report
Group B: Nigeria 3, Australia 2 (in Brisbane) – Game stats || Report
Main Talking Points
Sparks fly in World Cup final rematch
Tensions boiled over in the second half of Thursday’s match between the United States and the Netherlands, a rematch of the 2019 World Cup final when the Americans earned a 2-0 win to repeat as champions.
American midfielder Lindsey Horan crumbled to the ground in pain following a crunching tackle by Danielle van de Donk in the 59th minute. Even though they are club teammates — they both play for French club Lyon — van de Donk didn’t hold back in taking out Horan in her attempt to win the ball.
Horan didn’t take too kindly to the rough treatment and let van de Donk know about it after she received treatment from the medical staff. The two players had to be separated by the referee after engaging in a spirited bout of trash talking when play resumed and Horan exacted a measure of revenge by scoring a sublime header off the ensuing corner kick to level the score. After the final whistle, the two players were all smiles and kidding around with one another.
Somewhat overshadowed by the Horan-van de Donk saga was the fact that the U.S. is now unbeaten in 19 consecutive World Cup matches (15 wins, four draws). It’s the longest unbeaten run in World Cup history (men’s or women’s).
Portugal makes things interesting in Group E
After losing to the Netherlands in its opener, Portugal enhanced its chances of moving on to the knockout round in its first World Cup debut with a dominant performance over fellow newcomer Vietnam.
Coach Francisco Neto made seven lineup changes and that paid off handsomely as the Portuguese ran rampant over Vietnam in earning its first-ever World Cup win – and really, the damage could have been much worse had the Europeans not taken their foot off the gas.
Portugal’s win means there’s everything to play for in Group E going into the final matchday. The United States and the Netherlands top the group with four points each, just one point ahead of Portugal. Neto’s side would still need an upset victory over the top-ranked U.S. in order to qualify, but stranger things have happened at this World Cup, and nothing should be taken for granted.
Group B topped by surprising Nigeria
Nigeria is No. 40 in the current FIFA world rankings, which makes it the lowest-ranked nation in Group B, well behind Canada (No. 7), Australia (No. 10) and the Republic of Ireland (No. 22).
Yet, it is the Super Falcons who sit atop the Group B standings with four points and look poised to advance to the knockout round of the World Cup for the third time following their upset victory over co-hosts Australia in Brisbane on Thursday. A win or draw against Ireland in its Group B finale would see the Africans advance.
The Group B finale between Australia and Canada on Monday in Melbourne has long been touted as the match that will decide first place. Instead, Australia is on the outside looking in as the third-place team, while Nigeria quite rightly sits in pole position to win Group B after a marvellous comeback effort against Australia. It marked the first time that the Nigerians came from behind to win a World Cup match, having previously lost 19 times when they conceded first.
Australia dominated the first half and took the lead in first-half stoppage time when Emily van Egmond opened the scoring. But Uchenna Kanu tied things up just moments later, and Nigeria built on that with a pair of second-half goals from Uchiobe Ohale and Asisat Oshoala that sent the Australians reeling and forced them to chase the game.
Goal of the Day
Portugal took the lead in the seventh minute against Vietnam with some great buildup play featuring a quick series of passes, capped by Telma Encarnacao’s half-volley finish from the edge of the six-yard box off a perfect cross from Lucia Alves.
Moment of the Day
A first-ever World Cup win by Portugal kept alive its hopes of qualifying for the knockout round while simultaneously eliminating fellow newcomer Vietnam.
Quote of the Day
“I don’t think you ever want to get me mad because I don’t react in a good way. I just want something more. I want to win more; I want to score more, and I want more for my team.” – Horan on scoring the equalizer for the Americans just minutes after being knocked over by van de Donk of the Netherlands.
Three Stars of the Day
1. Telma Encarnacao, Portugal: The 21-year-old forward scored the opener against Vietnam and then set up a second goal to help the Portuguese secure their first-ever World Cup win.
2. Asisat Oshoala, Nigeria: Subbed into the match in the second half, the FC Barcelona forward boosted the Super Falcons’ attack and scored to seal an important win for her country.
3. Rose Lavelle, United States: The industrious midfielder gave the Americans a shot of energy when she came off the bench in the second half and it was her corner-kick delivery that led to the tying goal.
Looking Ahead
Action in Group G resumes when Argentina faces South Africa on Thursday night in Canada (8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT) with both teams looking for their first wins of the tournament after losing their openers. Then it’s back-to-back Group D fixtures on Friday when England clashes with Denmark (4:30 a.m. ET / 1:30 a.m. PT) and China tangles with Haiti (7:30 a.m. ET / 4:30 a.m. ET).
John Molinaro is one of the leading soccer journalists in Canada, having covered the game for over 20 years for several media outlets, including Sportsnet, CBC Sports and Sun Media. He is currently the editor-in-chief of TFC Republic, a website dedicated to in-depth coverage of Toronto FC and Canadian soccer. TFC Republic can be found here.