Co-captain Lindsey Horan’s second-half strike salvaged a thrilling 1-1 draw for the United States against the Netherlands in a captivating Women’s World Cup Group E match on Thursday.
The much-anticipated rematch of the 2019 final lived up to expectations, with the Dutch dominating the first half while the Americans found their rhythm after the break.
Jill Roord put the Dutch ahead with a superb shot in the 17th minute, leaving the U.S. trailing at halftime in a World Cup match for the first time since 2011.
However, Horan came to the rescue in the 62nd minute, heading in a brilliant goal from a Rose Lavelle corner, leaving Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar helpless.
Despite an intense effort in search of a winner, the U.S. was unable to convert their chances in the closing stages, settling for a hard-fought draw.
“Even though it didn’t finish the way we wanted (it) to finish, I thought it was a good match for our team,” said U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski. “What you saw in the second half is what you’re going to see going forward as a baseline.”
The draw keeps the U.S. at the top of Group E on goal difference ahead of the Netherlands, with their final match against Portugal scheduled for next Tuesday. The Netherlands, facing Vietnam at the same time, will be eager to erase the goal difference and secure the top spot.
