Going into the USWNT vs England clash we knew there was going to be drama. With a storied history between the teams and Emma Hayes‘ involvement, this encounter transcended being merely a friendly game. The USWNT appeared poised for victory but, as is often the case, VAR had other plans. So what transpired during this thrilling matchup?

Well, to start, substitute Yazmeen Ryan made her run into the penalty area and encountered England’s Alex Greenwood. In an effort to thwart Ryan’s scoring attempt, Greenwood extended her arms when the ball appeared to have struck her arm. The referee noticed this contact and promptly awarded a penalty kick in favor of the Stars and Stripes.

It was all celebration and excitement for the USWNT camp and their fans until VAR intervened. The referee was asked to review footage after VAR indicated that instead of contacting Greenwood’s arm directly, the ball first hit her abdomen before bouncing onto her shoulder.

In fact, upon closer inspection by the referee, it became clear that the ball didn’t even touch Greenwoods’ hand or arm at all. Well seeing this, the referee had no option but to overturn the initial decision and rescind the penalty call. As play resumed without any advantage, USWNT was left disheartened following their earlier excitement.

Unsurprisingly, fans of the USWNT expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision, particularly with the referee. Their main grievance centered on why the referee blew the whistle and chose not to allow play to continue. One fan commented, “Ref should have let that play out. We just lost a huge attacking opportunity on the rebound.” It is definitely a moment that is bound to become a talking point in the coming days. Meanwhile, let’s explore what else unfolded during this eagerly awaited match.

USWNT vs England- A Wembley night to remember

To start with, we have to talk about the atmosphere at the Wembley Stadium. It was electric as 76,893 spectators gathered for the event, including USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino who came out to witness this showdown. In terms of performance, it’s evident that the defenders won the battle as the match concluded with a scoreless draw (0-0).

The USWNT defender Naomi Girma clearly stood out and acted as an impenetrable barrier while England only managed one shot on target throughout the game. Although Emma Hayes’ side did not secure a victory, they dominated statistical categories such as possession percentage and total completed passes along with shots directed towards goal.

However, recognition must be given to The Lionesses’ defense—particularly Alex Greenwood and goalkeeper Mary Earps—for successfully maintaining a clean sheet. Ultimately, it was indeed an unforgettable evening where although individual stars may not have shone brightly, they certainly fulfilled their roles effectively.

According to you, who was the MVP of the match? Let us know in the comments.