U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Beats Netherlands in Shootout to Advance to Olympic Semifinals

1 Americans faced a highflying Netherlands team that had won its group with a plus-13 goal differential in three group-stage games.

Naeher saved the first penalty kick, by Dutch star Vivianne Miedema, and the fourth, by Aniek Nouwen.

penalty kick to seal the win.

“This team just never really quits, even when we’re playing like shit or when we’re playing great or when we’re playing in the middle,” Rapinoe said.

goal and scored one herself three minutes later. .

In the 28th minute, Williams eluded a defender at the top right corner of the Dutch penalty box then centered the ball to Sam Mewis, who leaned her 6-foot frame forward and headed it in. .

Three minutes later, off a Tobin Heath corner kick from the right side, Williams headed the ball to Mewis, who headed it back to Williams, who booted the ball home to make it 2-1.

“I had nothing to lose,” said Williams, who was one of the last roster cuts for the 2019 World Cup team.

“I came in as an alternate so I just said, You know what, go out there and try to make a difference.”.

Miedema scored a second goal just after halftime, and was a nearly unstoppable force through the Netherlands’ four Olympic tournament games.

As the Dutch blazed through Group F, Miedema scored eight goals, a record for the entire tournament.

“We have to just continue to focus on staying onside and not having a goal disallowed again.”

routed a weak New Zealand team 6-1, then capped group play with a lackluster 0-0 tie with Australia.