Horan denies Dutch famous win, Matildas risk World Cup early exit

Wellington, July 28: Lindsey Horan denied the Netherlands a famous win over the United States on Thursday in a 1-1 draw while co-hosts Australia were primed to face Nigeria and seal a place in the last 16.

The United States beat the Netherlands 2-0 four years ago to retain the World Cup and are now pursuing a third title in a row, something that has never been done before.

But they were far from their best in front of a crowd of 27,312 in Wellington and fell behind in the 17th minute to a superb strike from midfielder Jill Roord.

Vlatko Andonovski’s side grew into the game and struck back just after the hour with a header from skipper Horan, moments after she clashed with her Lyon teammate Danielle van de Donk.

The Americans might have won it after that, but the biggest match of the group stages ended in stalemate and neither side is yet assured of a berth in the knockout phase heading into their final group games.

On Tuesday, the United States face Portugal and the Netherlands play Vietnam, with both expected to win.

US coach Andonovski described Horan’s response to the altercation with Van de Donk as a turning point.

“It’s a really good example of the leader that she is. She gets fouled, kicked, hurt and obviously it’s a very difficult moment,” Andonovski said.

“And instead of crying about it, she just goes and makes a statement.”

His opposite number, Andries Jonker, was content with the point and called the game a good advert for women’s football. “These games are battles from the first second to the last. The only thing you can say is that women’s football has evolved incredibly,” the Netherlands coach said.

“We’re there, along with the US, and I’m very satisfied with that.”

Nigeria stun Australia

Second-half goals from Osinachi Ohale and Asisat Oshoala gave Nigeria a stunning 3-2 win over Australia at the Women’s World Cup on Thursday to leave the co-hosts in danger of an early exit.

In front of 49,156 fans in Brisbane the Matildas missed a golden chance to reach the last 16 and instead now face a must-win final group game 

against Canada.

In contrast, Nigeria top Group B and play Ireland -- who are already out of contention -- with the knockout rounds in sight.

Captain Steph Catley felt that the Australians -- who actually took the lead and dominated in the first half -- had enough chances to win the game. But she conceded: “They were great on the counter and they finished their chances. We’ve just got think to Canada now.

A Nigeria win seemed improbable after a first period which Australia dominated, although they struggled to break down the Super Falcons’ defence.

Nigeria frustrated Olympic champions Canada in their opening 0-0 draw and did the same to the Matildas, who lacked the penetration that the injured duo of Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler would have given them.

Australia finally got reward for their dominance in the first minute of stoppage time when a poor goal kick from Nigerian keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was picked off and Caitlin Foord’s low cross was met by Emily van Egmond, who calmly slotted the ball into the net.

But any hopes of taking a 1-0 lead into the break were dashed in the last play of the half.

Rasheedat Ajibade cut inside and her shot deflected into the path of Uchenna Kanu, who beat Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold with a prodded finish at the back post.

Ohale put Nigeria in front in the 65th minute when she headed home after Arnold could only parry a shot 

into her path.

Barcelona’s Oshoala, who came on as a replacement after half-time, then took advantage of a mix-up between Arnold and defender Alanna Kennedy to get between them and fire home from an acute angle.

Australia got one back through Kennedy in the 10th minute of stoppage time but the Nigerians held on for a famous victory.

Vietnam out 

Portugal defeated Vietnam 2-0 in the other match in the group on Thursday in an encounter between two sides making their debuts at the World Cup.

First-half goals by Telma Encarnacao and Kika Nazareth ended Vietnam’s hopes of going any further. (AFP)