The U.S. Women’s team played against Portugal.Photo:Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

Pinto Tatiana of Portugal and Andi Sullivan of USA battle for the ball during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group E match between Portugal and USA

Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

TheU.S. Women’s National Teamhas reached the last 16 of theWomen’s World Cup— but only just!

In a dramatic 91st-minute twist, the USWNT — and reigning World Champions — almost saw themselves knocked out after Portugal substitute Ana Capeta hit the goalpost with the teams tied at 0-0.

“It was a beautiful sound to hear it hit the post, that’s for sure,” USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher said afterward,reported ESPN. “That’s something we talked about — we knew they were good on the counterattack and they like to get in behind.”

USWNT scored 0-0 against Portugal.Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

Alex Morgan of USA controls the ball during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group E match between Portugal and USA

The U.S. team now faces Sweden in the round of 16 — the same team thatdumped them out of the Tokyo Olympics 3-0in July 2021.

“I know this team and I know what we’re capable of, and just because it hasn’t clicked every moment on the field and we’re not putting the goals in the back of the net doesn’t mean these aren’t the right players for the job,” striker Alex Morgan said after the game, reported ESPN. “The confidence is there and now we just have to prove it out on the field.”

Trinity Rodman crosses the ball during Portugal v USA match.Simon Watts/Shutterstock

Trinity Rodman crosses the ball ortugal v USA, FIFA Women’s World Cup

Simon Watts/Shutterstock

“We had our World Cup on the line,” USWNT veteran Megan Rapinoe also shared after the match, perCNN. “Of course, those moments are going to be intense."

“We’re thrilled to be going on to the next stage,” she added. “That’s exactly what we wanted out of this match ultimately, is to have another one.”

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“I’m just not seeing that passion,’’ she said on Fox Sports, reportedNBC News. She also described the team’s performance as “lackluster” and “uninspiring,” adding that it looked as though the U.S. team was taking the result “for granted.”

source: people.com