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USWNT must play better in the knockout stages

The USA barely moved past the group stages after a draw with Portugal.

By Braulio Perez

Portugal v USA: Group E - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023
Portugal v USA: Group E - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 / Carmen Mandato/USSF/GettyImages

It wasn't easy, but the U.S. Women's National Team has moved on to the Round of 16 at the Women's World Cup. On Tuesday, the USA took on Portugal, needing only a draw to finish in second place of Group E. However, Portugal gave them a major scare.

Late in the action, and the scored tied 0-0, the U.S. was saved after a brilliant shot rattled off the post. Had that strike found the back of the net, Portugal would have moved on and the USA would have been eliminated from the tournament. Goodness:

On Sunday, the red, white and blue will be in Round of 16 action. With a win, they'll move on to the quarterfinals and keep their dreams of a three-peat alive. With a loss, though, those dreams will come to a close.

The matchup vs. Portugal needs to be a major wake-up call for this team. If they don't improve their play, then things could get quite complicated for them this weekend.