The U.S. women’s national team finally knows its last opponent in Group E of the World Cup this summer: Portugal.
The European nation reached its first ever Women’s World Cup by defeating Cameroon 2-1 in a playoff at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand on Wednesday.
Portugal opened the scoring through Diana Gomes, but Cameroon equalized in the 89th minute with a goal by Ajara Nchout. Just as it appeared the game was headed for extra time, Portugal was awarded a stoppage-time penalty after Cameroon defender Estelle Johnson was whistled for a handball in the box.
Portugal defender Carole Costa stepped up and converted from the spot to seal a dramatic win.
A 94th minute penalty to send your nation to their first ever #FIFAWWC 😳
NERVES. OF. STEEL. 🇵🇹
Carole Costa delivered in the BIGGEST of moments.
Watch the FULL highlights for FREE: https://t.co/GH468XdFbT@selecaoportugal | #BeyondGreatness pic.twitter.com/iKRwjB9MkH
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) February 22, 2023
With the win, Portugal will join the USWNT, Vietnam and the Netherlands in Group E.
The USWNT will face Portugal in its group finale on August 1 at Eden Park in Auckland. It will be the 11th all-time meeting between the two teams, with the U.S. having won all 10 previous matches by an aggregate score of 39-0.
Most recently, the USWNT defeated Portugal 1-0 in a June 2021 friendly, with Sam Mewis scoring the game’s only goal.
In Wednesday’s other playoff, Haiti joined Portugal as a first-time Women’s World Cup qualifier by defeating Chile 2-1.
The World Cup field will be completed on Wednesday night U.S. time, when Panama faces Paraguay for the 32nd and final spot in the tournament.
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