Giants USA inches away from 91st minute World Cup exit, Dutch top group with rout

The width of an Eden Park goalpost is all that has kept the United States in the Women’s World Cup.

The reigning champions were given an almighty scare in their 0-0 draw with Portugal on Tuesday night, a match they largely controlled but almost let slip.

Portugal substitute Ana Capeta smashed a 91st-minute effort onto the post when a goal would have eliminated the two-time reigning champions.

Instead, the world No.1s limped into the round of 16 at the expense of the first-timers, who were brave and on another night might have upended world football’s order.