United States predicted lineup vs Portugal - Women's World Cup
- Sophia Smith likely to get the start
- Fans can expect minimal changes
- Lindsey Horan to lead as captain again
It all comes down to the final group stage match against Portugal.
The match against the Netherlands exposed several weaknesses to this US women's national team side, forcing a 1-1 draw in the rematch of the 2019 World Cup final. Despite an experienced and talented bench, Head coach Vlatko Andonovski only made one sub as to not "disturb the rhythm" of those on the pitch. And we can expect a similar reasoning when it comes to the starting lineup for Tuesday's game.
The American side now needs a victory against Portugal and a positive goal difference to top the group, or a draw and Dutch victory against Vietnam to qualify in second place.
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USWNT predicted lineup vs Portugal
GK: Alyssa Naeher - She starts again. Despite Andonovski revealing would alternate goalkeepers throughout the group stage before the tournament kicked off, it's doubtful he'll go through with it given the stakes against Portugal.
RB: Emily Fox - No changes here.
CB: Julie Ertz - At this point, fans can assume the USWNT midfield will be deprived of Ertz for the remainder of the tournament as she pairs with Girma in defense.
CB: Naomi Girma - Not a great display against the Netherlands, but not enough to remove her from the final starting lineup of the group stage.
LB: Crystal Dunn - A shaky game against the Netherlands, especially in that first half but worked herself into it in the second 45 to retain her spot.
CM: Savannah DeMelo - Andonovski revealed Lavelle can only really play for 45 minutes, so she will likely be used for the second half as she did against the Netherlands. DeMelo gets the first 45.
DM: Andi Sullivan - Despite some shockingly disappointing moments, she stays.
CM: Lindsey Horan (c) - No changes here.
RW: Sophia Smith - At this point, there's no starting lineup without Sophia Smith.
ST: Alex Morgan - The veteran keeps her spot.
LW: Trinity Rodman - Many may make a point that Lynn Williams deserves this spot, and while that isn't wrong, we know Andonovski is not making any changes here.