A goal post saved the United States (US) from elimination at the Women’s World Cup.

Ana Capeta nearly scored for Portugal in stoppage time but her shot hit the left post and the US escaped with a uninspiring 0-0 draw today that got them through, just barely, to the knockout round.

The US won only one game in group play for the first time in tournament history, scoring just four goals over three games. With the scoreless draw, the US fell to second in the group behind the Netherlands and will head to Melbourne, Australia, for a round of 16 match on Sunday.

The Americans, the most successful team ever at the World Cup with four titles, have never been eliminated in the tournament’s group stage. But they looked shaky against the Portuguese, who were playing in their first World Cup.

The Netherlands heads to Sydney to face the second-place team from Group G, which includes Sweden, South Africa, Italy and Argentina. The United States plays the group’s top team — likely Sweden.

Source: Oman News Agency