Author: Nancy Armour, USA TODAY

Despite World Cup field expanding by eight teams, to 32, there’s few blowouts and all but seven of the first 35 games were decided by 2 goals or less

USWNT needs win or tie to advance to World Cup knockout rounds. Megan Rapinoe and the team are embracing that pressure.

The pre-World Cup criticism of coach Vlatko Andonovski’s lineups was renewed after Thursday’s disappointing draw vs. the Netherlands.

“It’s just a little unfortunate that now first place in the group is up for grabs,” Alex Morgan said after the USWNT’s draw vs. the Netherlands.

Lindsey Horan’s fury at a borderline dirty tackle from Netherlands proved to be the difference maker in a game the USWNT could not afford to lose.

Sophia Smith, Naomi Girma and others are using the biggest moment of their careers to make sure late Stanford teammate Katie Meyer isn’t forgotten.

Most of America knows Alex Morgan as the USWNT’s active leading goal scorer. Or as one of its most marketable stars. But she’s also a disrupter.

The U.S. Women’s National Team faces the Netherlands next at the World Cup. The players know they have a target on their backs, and they embrace it.