Well, thatβs not the way the two-time defending Womenβs World Cup champions drew it up.
The U.S. womenβs national team was in control of its destiny Tuesday leading into its final Group E match against Portugal. The squad advanced, but not in the dominant fashion it is accustomed to.
The team played a scoreless draw against Portugal and nearly saw its quest at a three-peat come to a close. It finished as the runner-up in Group E, meaning it will face the Group G winner β likely Sweden β Sunday with no room for error.
Hereβs what fans were saying during and after Tuesdayβs close call, with plenty of shade for USWNT manager Vlatko Andonovski, βBarbieβ jokes and appreciation for the goal post:
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American fans will have another early β and likely stressful β morning when the USWNT takes the field again at 5 a.m. ET/2 a.m. PT on Sunday.