Lindsey Horan Aug 3, 2023; Auckland, NZL; United States midfielder Lindsey Horan (10) takes questions from journalists amid the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Mandatory Credit: Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports

Following the United States Women’s National Team’s narrow draw to Portugal this week, much of the focus has been on the USWNT’s struggles. But this week, USWNT captain Lindsey Horan wanted to shift that conversation and give some credit to their opponent.

During a press conference this week, Lindsey Horan opened up about how well Portugal played during their matchup on Tuesday, saying “They wanted it bad, and they have full belief.”

“We have to take every little positive out of it,” Horan said according to Fox Sports. “Obviously, we’re disappointed in the way that we played, but again, Portugal was a tough opponent and made it really difficult on us.

“They wanted it bad, and they have full belief. I think we need a little bit more belief when we’re playing, and we need to be more calm. We need to be more poised. We need to play our style, and we learn our lessons, and we move forward to the next game.”

Portugal nearly ended the USWNT’s World Cup run with a late shot that made it past the keeper, but the shot narrowly went off the post and the USWNT advanced out of the group with the draw.

[Fox Sports]