It wasn't a loss, but the United States has won 13 straight World Cup matches dating back to their 2015 victory run in France coming into tonight's game. 

The next match for the U.S. against Portugal on Tuesday becomes a more urgent meeting with the knockout stage now in mind. 

Both the U.S. and Netherlands have four points in the group, while the former is up on goal differential. 

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The first half certainly belonged to the Dutch. The Netherlands was more technically sound, making great first touches and being decisive when it counted. 

In the 17th minute, Andi Sullivan was late to step up on Lieke Martens, who got past her and sprinted up field toward the U.S. goal. Martens ended up catching Crystal Dunn sleeping on the right side as a pass into the 18-yard box looked like a prime chance for the Dutch to strike first.

Dunn ended up blocking a cross into the middle, but the USWNT couldn’t escape the danger. No one covered Jill Roord at the top of the box, and after getting a good pass, her first touch was perfect as she sent a scorching low shot past goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. 

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The Dutch went crazy, as well as the Netherlands faithful in the stands, as they knew how important that first goal was.

It was unfamiliar territory for the U.S., as the last time they trailed in a half was in 2011 against Sweden. They ended up losing that game, 2-1. 

But after coming out stronger in the second half, captain Lindsey Horan answered when her team needed it most. Horan was already in a bad mood after a strong tackle had her down on the pitch with what looked to be an injury.

She eventually got up and the U.S. had their seventh corner of the match when Horan got the Dutch back with a perfectly timed set piece that saw her header hit the back of the net in the 62nd minute to tie the game. 

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It was Horan’s second goal of this World Cup, having scored in the 77th minute against Vietnam in their first match of the tournament. 

A few minutes later, Alex Morgan looked as though she took the lead for the U.S., but she was deemed offsides after Trinity Rodman’s pass was a bit too late. 

The U.S. continued to pour on the pressure in the second half, but they weren't able to find the back of the net in the end. 

Both teams play again next Tuesday at 3 a.m. ET, with the Netherlands facing Vietnam and the U.S. taking on Portugal.

Hegerberg was initially listed to start, but the team announced during the match that the former Ballon d’Or winner was unable to play after experiencing "a feeling in the groin" toward the end of her pre-match warmups.

The Norwegians could have used her to break open a scoreless game. In her place, Sophie Roman Haug started the match as a striker. But Roman Haug’s Women's World Cup debut proved to be a fruitless one. She was substituted in the 73rd minute for Karina Saevik.

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Switzerland and Norway each had their share of opportunities to score a decisive opener throughout the match, but it was Norway that forced Thalmann to come up with four saves.

Despite a constant drizzle for most of the match, 10,769 fans were in attendance for the Group A match in a Waikato Stadium that holds just over 18,000.

KEY MOMENT

Thalmann made a number of key saves, but her sternest test came with 15 minutes left in regulation time.

Norway substitute Caroline Graham Hansen released a powerful curving shot from the top of the area, but Thalmann parried the low shot out for a corner.

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WHY IT MATTERS

The result leaves Group A, which also includes the Philippines and co-host New Zealand, up for grabs. The Swiss lead with four points, New Zealand and the Philippines each have three and Norway has one. But there are scenarios under which each of them could make the knockout stages.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

"This is a step in the right direction for us. We were much better this game -– much more calm and composed, and managed to create chances." — Guro Reiten, Norway midfielder.

"It’s exciting, and to be in first place after two games, it’s great. But we know that we will have to go again against New Zealand. It won’t be easy but we’re definitely going for the win again." — Ramona Bachmann, Swiss forward.

WHAT’S NEXT

Sitting at the top of Group A, Switzerland will duel with second-place New Zealand in Dunedin. In need of a win, Norway will travel to Auckland to face a Philippines lineup emboldened after upsetting the Football Ferns 1-0. Both matches will be played Sunday.

Lehmann, who is one of the most followed female soccer athletes playing in the Women’s World Cup, received a strange request from one of the fans who packed into Dunedin Stadium in New Zealand.

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The fan was holding a sign, which read: "Alisha Lehmann can I get your (shirt)." The message ended with a picture of Lehmann’s No. 23 jersey.

It is unclear whether Lehmann obliged. The fan could get a second shot at his request when Switzerland takes on Norway Tuesday.

Lehmann boasts more than 13 million followers on Instagram. She helped get Switzerland into the Women’s World Cup with two goals during qualifiers. She also appeared in 22 matches for Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League. She scored five goals and had two assists during the 2022-23 season.

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She spoke to Sky Sports earlier this month about the excitement going into the tournament.

"When you play for your country, you remember where you came from," she said. "You have the badge of your country on your shirt, it means a lot.

"I actually can't wait to play this World Cup. I was waiting all my life to do this because it's the biggest thing when you're a kid. You dream about the big World Cup and playing it.

"It's the biggest dream of every single footballer. It's amazing, and I can't wait to be on the field and start it."

Switzerland will round out the group stage with a match against New Zealand on Sunday.

Just one day in and we’ve already see the Football Ferns claim a first ever win at the event in 16 attempts.

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Hannah Wilkinson’s goal saw New Zealand stun Norway[/caption]

And for eight nations, this will be their first opportunity to compete on the World Cup stage. 

So who are the countries making their debuts over the next few days down under? talkSPORT.com takes a look. 

Republic of Ireland – FIFA World ranking: 22

Player to watch: Katie McCabe

Ireland’s football made the headlines even before the tournament began after their warm-up friendly against Colombia was called off mid-game due to excessive rough play. 

Over 75,000 were then in attendance for Ireland’s first ever World Cup match against hosts Australia, which they narrowly lost 1-0 thanks to a penalty from Steph Catley. 

But Ireland still have a chance to make it out of the group stage at their very first tournament and there was much to be optimistic about for Ireland in their first game.

Captain Katie McCabe was tireless on the pitch and created a number of chances for Ireland who ultimately failed to find the net.

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McCabe played a starring role against Australia on Ireland’s debut[/caption]

Haiti – FIFA World ranking: 53

Player to watch: Melchie Dumornay

Haiti’s journey against a backdrop of strife has been nothing short of inspirational – the country is currently embroiled in gang violence and the population is still reeling from devastating earthquakes which killed hundreds of thousands in 2010 and 2021. 

The President of the Haitian Football Federation was also handed a lifetime ban by FIFA in 2020 for alleged harassment and sexual abuse of underage female footballers, which was then overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

FIFA have since filed a complaint against this ruling. 

Amidst all this, the Haitian women’s squad are determined to do one thing: inspire a generation of girls to follow in their footsteps: whatever happens, they know they are making history. 

Goalkeeper Kerly Theus told the BBC in an interview: “‘This message is specifically for the girls in Haiti: ‘Keep pushing, keep driving and this moment, you’ll have it too when it’s your time’.”

Haiti face the Lionesses in Brisbane live on talkSPORT at 10:30am on Saturday 22 July.

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Dumornay will be looking to impress against the Lionesses[/caption]

Morocco – FIFA World ranking: 72

Player to watch: Rosella Ayane 

Nicknamed the “Atlas Lionesses”, Morocco women’s national team are hoping to emulate the success of their men’s team who surpassed all expectations to reach the semi-final of the Men’s World Cup in Qatar.

The team are certainly in experienced hands as their manager, Reynald Pedros, is both a former French international player, and has coached Lyon women to two Champions League titles.

The team have another keen supporter in the King of Morocco, Mohammed VI who has opened a number of football facilities to support the growth of both the national men’s and women’s teams.

Coach Pedros told the BBC that ‘the will of the king’ was a vital part of the investment in women’s football. 

He said: “I believe if we did not have the support of the federation we would not succeed.”

Morocco take on Germany in their opening match on Tuesday 24 July at 9:30am.

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Ayane has just signed a new contract with Tottenham[/caption]

Zambia – FIFA World ranking: 77

Player to watch: Barbra Banda 

Zambia sent shockwaves rippling through the footballing world when they beat one of the tournament favourites, Germany, in a 3-2 win. 

They will be hoping to go further by beating more dangerous teams in their group stages as they face Spain, Costa Rica and former World champions Japan. 

Their captain, Barbra Banda, has already made history by becoming the first women to score more than one hat-trick at an Olympic games and the former professional boxer will be hoping to net more goals during the World Cup. 

Off the pitch, Zambia are dealing with allegations of sexual misconduct against their head coach, Bruce Mwape, and an investigation by police and FIFA is ongoing. 

Their opening fixture against Japan on Saturday will be one of the first opportunities to see what this Zambian team can do on the big stage.

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Banda stunned Germany ahead of the World Cup[/caption]

Portugal – FIFA World ranking: 21

Player to watch: Ines Pereira 

Portugal will take huge confidence from the fact that they were able to hold England to a 0-0 draw at Milton Keynes in a send-off game earlier this month.

The popularity of domestic women’s football is growing quickly in Portugal, largely thanks to the investment of the Portuguese FA. 

Coach Francisco Neto has said their goal is to make it out of the group stages, but that would likely require a win against either the USA or the Netherlands. 

But Portugal have strength and experience in their team, with seven players boasting over 100 caps. 

They will have the chance to show their quality when they face the Netherlands on Sunday 23 July at 8:30am.

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Pereira plays her club football in Switzerland with Servette[/caption]

Panama – FIFA World ranking: 52

Player to watch: Riley Tanner

After missing out on qualification for the 2019 World Cup after a penalty shootout defeat to Jamaica, Panama fought hard to seize their spot in Australia and New Zealand this year. 

Their coach Ignacio Quintana has not just led Panama to their first World Cup – he has also fought to secure equal pay and working conditions with the men’s team. 

They will go into their group stage matches hoping to make the most of any experiences they can take from their time at the World Cup – any success for them could mean one of the biggest tournament upsets we have ever seen. 

Panama take on Brazil on Monday 24 July at 12pm.

Philippines – FIFA World ranking: 46

Player to watch: Isabella Flanigan 

The Philippines enter their first World Cup coached by ex-Australia coach, Alen Stajcic.  

In a nation which is dominated by basketball and boxing, the Filipinas have propelled themselves into the spotlight by qualifying for this tournament. 

Their team manager, Jefferson Cheng, told The Guardian: “We are dreaming of creating our own Cinderella story. Obviously the odds are against us based on our ranking but I assure you we will represent our country in the best way possible.”

The Philippines will first face Switzerland on Saturday 21 July at 6am.

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Flanigan is just 18 and looking to make a name for herself[/caption]

Vietnam – FIFA World ranking: 32

Player to watch: Huynh Nhu 

Vietnam are hoping their presence at their first World Cup will do great things for the development of the game, domestically and nationally. 

Coach Mai Duc Chung told fifa.com: “It’s a chance for us to compete with very good opponents and we can learn from their experience, skills and techniques. We also have to be mentally strong. We will respect all the competitors, but we are not scared.”

One of the unique features of this Vietnamese team is that every single member of the squad has been trained domestically, with only captain Hyunh Nhu playing abroad. 

But it could not be more of a difficult start to the tournament for the first-timers, as both the 2019 defending champions, the USA, and 2019 runners-up, the Netherlands, are in their group.

They open against the USA at 2am on Saturday 22 July.

Women's World Cup on talkSPORT

Listen to live commentary of the 2023 Women’s World Cup on the talkSPORT network, with our coverage kicking off on Saturday with England vs Haiti on talkSPORT at 10.30am.

And you can follow all the World Cup results, keep up-to-date with the latest fixtures and see the group standings in our new match centre HERE.

It’s been a major storyline for months as four teams have gone back-to-back defending their World Cup title, but none has ever secured the sacred three-peat.

With the Women’s World Cup beginning in Australia and New Zealand on Thursday, the pressure is high for the USWNT, as the obvious favorites, to win it all again.

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Despite the expectations, Carli Lloyd, a USWNT legend who helped win two World Cups and two Olympic gold medals during her illustrious career, thinks the women from the U.S. will be calm and collected entering this major tournament. 

"I would say it’s business as usual," Lloyd told Fox News Digital while promoting FanDuel's support of the USWNT by teaming up with a female-owned roastery, North Edge Craft Coffee, to launch FanFuel Extra Kick Coffee for the World Cup. "I would say that the approach is always the U.S. is favorites, No. 1 team in the world. Everybody wants to go out there and beat them. There’s a target on their back."

"They’re most likely not even talking about a three-peat or really talking about the history that they can potentially make. Everybody just knows that. They know that in the back of their minds, what’s at stake."

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Lloyd is gearing up for the tournament in Sydney, where she is handling her broadcasting duties. She knows better than most that expectations for the USWNT can be overwhelming at times, especially as women’s soccer has exponentially grown in popularity since her first tournament in 2007.

But as Lloyd pointed out, this is what these women play for: The chance to etch their name in World Cup and USWNT history. It comes down to playing, and winning, one game at a time.

"You can’t get ahead of yourself because the minute you get ahead of yourself, it’s probably the moment where you’re going to get knocked out or something," Lloyd said. "It’s really important to, first and foremost, come out first in their group. That’s going to be their first battle. Then, once they hopefully do that, the next challenge is going to be making sure that they get past that first knockout round."

When the U.S. takes the field at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, for the first time Friday night (9 p.m. ET) against Vietnam, there will be some who will be playing in their first-ever World Cup match. But for USWNT captain Megan Rapinoe, it will be the first step toward her final World Cup representing the red, white and blue.

The 2019 Ballon d’Or Féminin winner as the best female soccer player in the world announced this will be her final World Cup as the 38-year-old winds down her soccer career. She was alongside Lloyd in 2015 and 2019 when they went back-to-back, and many key members of the squad, including Abby Wambach, Shannon Boxx and Christie Rampone, have walked off into the sunset since.

Now, it’s Rapinoe's turn.

"Megan Rapinoe, I’ve just witnessed so many iconic moments, huge goals scored," Lloyd said, reflecting on her time as Rapinoe's teammate. "The thing that comes to mind is just her ability to assist people, whether it’s off a free kick or a cross or a corner kick, that level of creativity that she has brought to the team."

"There’s no one like Megan Rapinoe. They’ll never be anyone like Megan Rapinoe."

Rapinoe, Alex Morgan and Julie Ertz are the superstars in this bunch that many fans will be focused on at kickoff on Friday. But Sophia Smith, the 22-year-old star from Portland Thorns FC of the National Women’s Soccer League, is someone fans should get to know quickly when the tournament begins.

Smith led the USWNT in goals last year with 11, and with her first World Cup here, it could very well be the moment she makes herself known to the world.

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Lloyd loves what Smith has done in the States, but she is hoping she can control her emotions and game as she’s set to play on her biggest stage to date.

"She has separated herself from everybody," Lloyd said. "She’s proven that she can be a goal-scoring machine from various positions on the field. I never like to put a lot of pressure on people – I think there’s already pressure that a player has going into a major tournament. With Sophia being a younger player, the world is kind of putting that pressure on her."

"I hope that she’s able to navigate that because it is very difficult to go into a major tournament where the world is saying you’re going to be the next breakout star and all these things. My hope is that she can allow her mind to just focus on the task at hand, be here and play freely. She has an opportunity to really show what she’s made of on the world stage. That’s the next jump for her."

Winning a World Cup, though, is more than just a few players. It will take the entire roster working collectively on the field to get through each opponent, no matter the challenge.

Lloyd pointed out that defenders don’t get the most coverage leading up to these major tournaments, which is why someone like Naomi Girma is a point of interest for her heading into play Friday.

"Just has a very calm, cool, collected approach to her," Lloyd said of Girma. "She seems very confident on the ball and just kind of playing beyond her age. It seems like she’s been a seasoned veteran, so I’m excited to see that."

As for that competition, the USWNT’s Group E will feature Vietnam first, followed by the Netherlands on Wednesday and Portugal on Aug. 1 to wrap up group play.

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"In their group, it’s Netherlands," Lloyd said regarding the USWNT’s biggest challenge in the group stage. "I don’t think that the Netherlands are the 2019 Netherlands, nor is the U.S. the 2019 U.S. It’s a completely different matchup, but the U.S. don’t want to go second in their group."

"If they go second in their group, they definitely have a bigger challenge along the way."

History, individually and as a team, surrounds the USWNT in this World Cup. Nonetheless, Lloyd doesn’t believe the outside noise and or historic accomplishments will faze this group.

Just like the previous two World Cups, through the highs and lows of each match, the goal is clear: Hoist the trophy at the end. 

Nothing else matters.

"It’s in the DNA of the team to know that there’s always going to be that pressure, and you want to thrive in that moment. I think they’re going to be really excited to finally get started and kick off that first game."