The United States have been known for their above-average physicality, a trait that has allowed them to stay ahead of most rivals over the last few years, but that wasn’t evident in this game, as the Netherlands challenged them like very few teams in the world can.
The Dutch side pressed high up the pitch early on and opened the scoring with their first attacking approach via Jill Roord.
The Manchester City midfielder placed the ball into the back of the net from the edge of the box, and without doing too much, the Dutch were on top against the reigning world champions.
The USWNT continued to push the lines forward and began to create some decent chances, with Trinity Rodman and Alex Morgan playing prominent roles.
The Netherlands were happy with moving the ball around and completing passes in their own half, knowing they didn’t need to take unnecessary risks in the opposing half.
The United States created several chances but lacked the end product, a theme also in their first group game, and they would have been disappointed after marching into HT down 1-0.
Needing at least one goal to avoid potential qualifying complications, the United States came out battling in the second half, pressing higher up the pitch, dictating the tempo.
The change in approach paid off early in the second period, as Horan netted her second goal of the tournament with a close-range header following a swinging corner kick from Rose Lavelle.
The USWNT then scored a second goal shortly after via Morgan, but the goal was ruled out due to an offside position from the star striker, who had taken advantage of a beautiful pass from Rodman.
The USWNT looked absolutely dominant and in control as the Netherlands were struggling to hold on, but the Dutch almost found themselves ahead late on when a shot was deflected goalwards by Julie Ertz.
Despite the late scare, the Americans continued to push for a winner until the final whistle, with Smith and Rodman generating chances, but the Netherlands managed to hold on, and they eventually escaped with a draw.
Both teams moved to four points after two group stage matches, and they control their fate ahead of the final round of fixtures.
