Paris, France (June 16, 2019) — There was no way it was going to be another 13-0 final score. Christiane Endler wouldn’t let that happen. The La Roja Femenina goalkeeper kept the United States Women’s National Team at bay, despite what a 3-0 final might say. Endler made six saves — including three on USWNT striker Christen Press — to keep Chile in it and in a fighting spot for a third place finish in Group F. However, the top two spots are going to Sweden and the United States. Those two sides will duke it out on Thursday to decide who is finishing in the top spot in Group F.
USWNT advance to Round of 16 with 3-0 victory over Chile
Fresh off criticism for how they handled the Thailand match, the United States Women’s National Team didn’t have the goal-scoring day they hoped for over Chile. However, fans were underestimating the opponent. During their first-ever meeting back in August 2018, the United States won 3-0 and 4-0 against Chile, respectively.
Chile was never going to give the United States an easy fight.
The United States compiled all of their goals during the first half. Carli Lloyd made history in the 11th minute, scoring off a poor clearance from the Chilean defense. Her goal makes her the first player in FIFA Women’s World Cup history to score in six-consecutive matches. Lloyd found the back of the net again in the 35th minute, using her head.
Also using her head was Julie Ertz.
The Chicago Red Stars midfielder featured at centerback against Thailand due to an injury to Becky Sauerbrunn. With Sauerbrunn back in the lineup, Ertz moved back in the midfield, between Lindsey Horan and her Red Stars teammate Morgan Brian. Ertz scored a header goal in the 26th minute. Endler got her hands on the ball, but it deflected into her net.
Meanwhile, Lloyd had the opportunity to make it 4-0, but missed a penalty kick. Endler didn’t get a save on it though. Lloyd just shanked the ball wide, missing out on another hat-trick opportunity.
The @USWNT is through to the Round of 16 after a comfortable 3-0 win vs Chile – and it could have been much more.
Check out the highlights in our 90' in 90" ⬇️ #BelieveWithUS pic.twitter.com/BmgCiJZwRg
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2019
Lineup changes and a few debuts
Tierna Davidson started the match, although not at centerback. Her talented were put in the left back position, normally held by Crystal Dunn. Davidson had a strong performance and didn’t look like the 20-year-old rookie that she is.
The Chicago Red Stars defender recorded two assists when she took corner kick chances. Her assists made her a player to watch. She kept Daniela Zamora at bay throughout the entire match.
Meanwhile, other players to make FIFA Women’s World Cup debuts were Jessica McDonald, Allie Long and Emily Sonnett. McDonald, of the North Carolina Courage, entered the match at halftime. She almost found the back of the net, but pinged her shot off the post. McDonald is a major comeback story for the United States and was a surprise inclusion to many on the roster.
Meanwhile, Allie Long featured in the midfield on both attack and defense. However, she was given a yellow card in the 88th minute for a foul on Zamora. Meanwhile, Sonnett didn’t get much time on the pitch. She lined up next to the fourth official, but had to wait until after a VAR check on the Lloyd penalty.
USWNT manager Jill Ellis made seven changes to the Thailand lineup, including her entire front three. Press, Mallory Pugh and Lloyd started up top. Meanwhile, Ali Krieger made her World Cup return at right back, taking the place of Kelley O’Hara.
ENDLER AGAIN! 😱
The Chile goalkeeper is standing on her head, this time robbing Christen Press. #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/xdmRTyIvc8
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2019
What’s Next?
The big one is what’s next.
Sweden and the United States have a lot of history. Who can forget Hope Solo’s infamous comment, calling the Swedes “cowards” after their victory over the USA in the 2016 Rio Olympics? Sweden certainly doesn’t forget. This is also not the first time they’re in a group. Back in 2015, they were placed in the same group and battled to a scoreless draw.
Should the United States win or draw, they will win the group. However, due to the incredibly large goal difference, Sweden has to win the match to win the group.
Thursday’s match will begin at 3 p.m. ET.
Meanwhile, the third-place spot is up for grabs for Chile and Thailand. Chile needs a win or a draw to take third place. There could be an opportunity, depending on how many goals Chile can score, that La Roja could move on to the knockout rounds if they win. Thailand would have more trouble, due to the 13 goals by the USA and five goals from Sweden.
However, emotions rang high for Thailand today when Kanjana Sung-Ngoen scored their first goal in this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.
