Horan Goals US valuable point

Lindsey Horan headed home a second-half equalizer as the USA drew 1-1 with the Netherlands and extended their unbeaten World Cup run to 19 matches.

• Honors even in Wellington
• Roord and Horan are on target for the 2019 finalists
• The result leaves both well-placed to qualify

USA 1-1 Netherlands | Group E

Goalscorers: Roord (17′), Horan (62′) USA battled back to draw 1-1 with the Netherlands in an enthralling rematch of the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ final.

Captain Lindsey Horan came to the rescue with an unstoppable second-half header after Jill Roord had fired the Dutch in front to raise the real prospect of a first World Cup defeat in 19 matches for the record-four-time champions.

This was the first time since 2011 that the Americans had fallen behind in a Women’s World Cup match, and their shock at finding themselves in this unfamiliar position was evident in some nervy, uncertain play that followed.

The half-time introduction of Rose Lavelle brought some much-needed intelligence and incision, and when the equalizer arrived, it was no surprise to see the elusive little midfielder playing her part.

Lavelle’s inswinging left-footed corner was measured to perfection, although Horan – in showing more desire than anyone else in white or orange, and powering home a textbook near-post header – deserved, and received, the lion’s share of the plaudits.

The result leaves both sides well-placed to qualify. In another group match, Portugal defeated Vietnam 2-0.

This result brought to an end a run of six successive US wins against European opposition at the Women’s World Cup.

Jill Roord Of the Netherlands declared ViSA player of the match