The United States women’s national team wasn’t about to let history repeat itself on Tuesday night, battling back from a brutal 2-0 deficit against the defending World Cup Champions, Spain, to snag a hard-fought 2-2 draw. After losing 2-0 to the same squad on Saturday, avoiding that déjà vu took an absolutely epic second-half surge, and man, did they deliver.
First Half Blues and Spanish Domination
Things started rough, no lie. Spain came out blazing, taking a commanding lead in the first half. Two-time Ballon d’Or Féminin-winner Alexia Putellas was an absolute monster, finding the back of the net and then setting up Salma Paralluelo for another goal. Putellas was everywhere, even nearly bagging a second goal herself. It felt like Spain just owned the pitch, carving up the USWNT’s defense and making us all wonder if this was going to be Saturday all over again.
Second Half Thunder and a Fierce Comeback
But then, something clicked. The USWNT came roaring back in the second half, refusing to go down quietly. Ashley Sanchez got the first goal to cut into the lead, and then Mallory Swanson found the equalizer, completely flipping the script. The stats tell the story: Spain might have held onto 56 percent of possession for the match, but the Americans outshot them overall 15-12, had more shots on goal 6-5, and even racked up more corners 8-5. The United States was downright dominant at points in that second half, seizing control of the game after Spain’s early show. Head coach Emma Hayes had told reporters before the rematch that her “big request to the team is to do it earlier,” to “start earlier with the things that really matter.” The first half definitely didn’t follow that plan, but the way they fought back and got those goals? That’s what matters.
This draw has to feel good for the squad. Hayes said after Saturday’s match that she believes “we’re much closer to them than we were three years ago, definitely.” Tuesday’s gutsy effort, coming back from a two-goal hole against the freakin’ World Cup Champions, should only reinforce that belief. It’s not just a tie, it’s a statement.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
Leave a Reply