USA vs Netherlands 1-1: Women’s World Cup 2023 – as it happened

The Wellington crowd was treated to a special contest as the USA and Netherlands jostled throughout the encounter, but ultimately played out an exciting draw.

The US had the edge on total shots, with 18 to 5, but the Oranje pipped their American counterparts with more passes overall (502 to 362) and possession on the ball at 57 percent.

So where do we go from here? The US will round out their group with a match against debutants Portugal on August 1, with the Netherlands playing the other newcomers, Vietnam, on the same day.

We thank you for keeping us company today and do make sure to join us again as we continue our coverage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

It ends in a stalemate at Wellington Regional Stadium. 🤝#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC

— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 27, 2023

US captain Horan shared her views post-match: “Me and Dan [van de Donk] always go up against each other. It’s a physical battle. I respect her so much. Once I had that tackle, all I wanted to do was score.”

“Rose [Lavelle] put in an absolute dime, and I was able to get on the end of it,” she said.

“I felt the momentum the whole time. The first half we felt a little disappointed, but in the second half we came on and created a lot of chances.”

“[They are a] very competitive team, one we saw in the last World Cup do such special things.”

🔙 level. @USWNT | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/qPlpOgvlzc

— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 27, 2023

Undecided.#FIFAWWC #USANED #TheOranjeBeat pic.twitter.com/euPvWGtAqC

— OranjeLeeuwinnen (@oranjevrouwen) July 27, 2023

FINAL:

🇺🇸 USA 1 – 1 NED 🇳🇱#USWNT x @Visa pic.twitter.com/i9B2U0L8zN

— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 27, 2023

With a spirited last few minutes, the referee draws close to what might be a candidate as the best match of the tournament thus far.

The quality exhibited by both sides was exceptional at times, and the scoreline fails to tell the true story of what transpired here at Wellington Regional Stadium.

In the end, the points will be shared as the USA go to the top of Group E with four points and a more favourable goal difference, while the Netherlands sit second.

Full-time: USA 1-1 Netherlands

After their heads collided from jostling an aerial challenge, Lavelle looks quite groggy in the aftermath.

Van de Donk on the other hand is still on the ground as she receives medical attention.

This will undoubtedly be a careful process given the focus on head injuries and concussions.

Soon after, van de Donk receives some protective headwear, and it looks like she will be able to continue, much to everyone’s relief.

90+6 mins: USA 1-1 Netherlands

It is all-out desperation at Wellington Regional Stadium.

The players continue to give their all, with the Dutch goal-scorer Roord being subbed off for Renate Jansen.

90+4 mins: USA 1-1 Netherlands

We will have another five minutes of what has become a pulsating encounter as both sides vie for the match-winner.

90 mins: USA 1-1 Netherlands

It is your favourite twosome once more as Horan stiff arms van de Donk, sending her to the ground.

She is immediately called up by the referee as the Dutch win a threatening free kick about 30 metres out on the right side.

Captain Spitse sends it in, but nothing comes of the attempt.

88 mins: USA 1-1 Netherlands

The US have always been touted for their exceptional levels of fitness.

It is paying dividends here as the Dutch are looking completely second-best as chance after chance mounts on their end.

86 mins: USA 1-1 Netherlands

After the left-side corner is taken, the ball finds Smith, who decides to have a volley at goal.

It looks like it will go in from the outset, but the ball is deflected crucially by a Dutch defender near the end of its flight path, as the ball is steered away for another corner.

85 mins: USA 1-1 Netherlands

Soon after the Brugts opportunity, Smith sets up Rodman with a lovely-timed through ball inside of the box on the left side.

The forward rushes in and tries to steer it across the goalkeeper towards the far post, but is off the mark.

83 mins: USA 1-1 Netherlands

After some smart play as the Dutch were circling the US box, Brugts receives the ball just left of centre inside the box.

She is afforded a glimmer of space and takes her chances, but the ball is deflected away by a US defender in front of the goal, with the ball going out for a left-side corner.

If she had connected properly, that easily could have put the Dutch ahead.

80 mins: USA 1-1 Netherlands

They are desperate to secure the three points here to ensure their qualification into the Round of 16.

The Dutch are hanging on, but they have been a few notches under their first-half performance.

76 mins: USA 1-1 Netherlands

It is time to change things up as Damaris Egurrola sprints onto the field, with Snoeijs’s outing coming to a close.

72 mins: USA 1-1 Netherlands

The momentum has shifted greatly in the US’s favour after Horan’s goal, who was visibly displeased with van de Donk’s earlier challenge.

The Dutch look rattled, and it could have culminated in yet another goal conceded if it wasn’t for an offside call on Morgan’s effort.

She lets loose a strong shot at goal after receiving the ball inside of the box on the right side.

The effort beats van Domselaar, but the celebrations are soon stymied by the eventual call by the lineswoman.

67 mins: USA 1-1 Netherlands

Horan responds in the best way she can with a gorgeous header at the near post, which beats the Dutch goalkeeper all ends up.

The US contingent in the crowd blew the roof off when she was identified as the goal scorer, and the Stars and Stripes are fired up now as the game reaches parity.

61 mins: USA 1-1 Netherlands

The USA captain was clattered into by van de Donk by the sideline and remains on the ground as she gets some medical attention.

Interestingly enough, both players ply their trade for Lyon FC.

When it comes to the international level, those ties are unrecognised.

The captain is back on her feet and makes a beeline for her opposite Number 10, most likely to share her thoughts on that tackle.

The referee is able to calm the situation by having both players come together to settle their differences as the US await a corner from the right.

60 mins: USA 0-1 Netherlands

They continue to play at a high rate as they try to pressure the Dutch players into making a mistake on the ball.

It may not be working as well as they like, though, as so far the Netherlands have strung together 363 passes to the US’s 199.

55 mins: USA 0-1 Netherlands

She is barely on the field for five minutes and has already gone into the referee’s naughty list for an egregious tackle by the sideline.

51 mins: USA 0-1 Netherlands