USA earns spot in knockout round of 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
San Diego Wave FC’s defender Naomi Girma and forward Alex Morgan competed Tuesday morning in the USA’s 0-0 draw versus Portugal. The draw was enough to clinch the team a spot in the knockout round of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Girma was named the Bud Light Woman of the Match for her efforts in keeping a clean sheet and eliminating Portugal’s attack. The center defender played the entirety of the match from the backline, and Morgan played until the 96th minute before being replaced in stoppage time by Angel City forward Alyssa Thompson.
The USA will now face the winner of Group G for its knockout stage match, scheduled for Sunday, August 6, at 2 a.m. PT. Sweden are the current Group G leaders with six points and a sizable goal difference advantage, while Italy sits in second with three points.
Notes:
- The USWNT extended its unbeaten run to 20 straight FIFA World Cup matches (W15 D5), the longest unbeaten run in World Cup history (men or women).
- Tonight’s World Cup match marks Alex Morgan’s 210th career appearance for the USWNT.
- Tonight marked defender Naomi Girma’s 19th international appearance and 17th career start overall for the USA.
