by
Thursday’s daytime FIFA Women’s World Cup action is headlined by a heavyweight clash between the United States and the Netherlands in Wellington — an the Americans find themselves in the unfamiliar position of being behind.
The Netherlands lead 1-0 at halftime with Jill Roord scoring a pearler from distance after some brilliant lead-up by the Dutch.
Remarkably, it was the first shot on goal tournament favourites USA had conceded after thrashing Vietnam 3-0 in their opening match. It is also the first time the Americans have been behind in any Women’s World Cup match since 2011, when they lost 2-1 to Sweden.
NETBALL WORLD CUP | Watch the Origin Australian Diamonds opening match vs. Zimbabwe Friday 28 July at 7PM AEST FREE & LIVE on Kayo Freebies. Join now and start streaming instantly >
RESULTS AND STANDINGS: Heavyweights seal spot in R16 as debutants sent packing
MATILDAS: Kerr-less Matildas dealt another blow as duo ruled out of Nigeria game
Ireland land goal from McCabe corner! | 00:31
Both teams will expect to get out of Group E, so bragging rights and group supremacy are at stake in a re-run of the 2019 final. A loss would mean the USA could only advance to the knockout stage as the 2nd team out of the group — a result that would shake up the tournament’s knockout stage draw.
On that occasion the Americans won 2-0 and are pursuing an unprecedented third successive World Cup title.
The Netherlands are not quite the force they were but coach Andries Jonker believes the rest of the world, the Dutch included, are closing in on the United States.
Later today Portugal face Vietnam while co-hosts Australia must do with only one recognised striker against Nigeria (8pm AEST) after Manchester City’s Mary Fowler was ruled out of the match with concussion.
The Matildas were already missing captain and talismanic striker Sam Kerr, who was ruled out of at least the first two matches of the tournament with a calf injury.
Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord is now Australia’s only recognised fit striker.
FIXTURES & RESULTS
USA vs Netherlands, Sky Stadium 11am AEST – LIVE MATCH CENTRE
Portugal vs Vietnam, FMG Stadium, Waikato, 5.30pm AEST – LIVE MATCH CENTRE
Australia vs Nigeria, Brisbane Stadium, 8pm AEST – LIVE MATCH CENTRE
STUNNING strike hits the mark for Spain | 00:29
