Ana Capeta believes were ‘far superior’ to the in Tuesday’s goalless draw, having come inches away from sending the defending champions crashing out of the .
The tournament debutants enjoyed 56% possession in the match against a nervy USA and and progressing to the knockout stages at their expense.
In the first minute of stoppage time, Capeta raced through on goal and fired a fizzing effort against the foot of the post, with the ball rebounding to safety.
Had it gone in, USA would have been eliminated in the group stage for the first time ever and Capeta felt Portugal deserved to win the match, while she was itching to spoil the defending champions’ series.
‘It was by mere centimetres that we didn’t make another dream come true,’ Capeta told the Portuguese media after the game.
‘We had already achieved the biggest dream of all football players by being the first Portuguese team to play at the [Women’s] World Cup.
‘I think we were competent and deserved more, not only for what we did today but also for what we produced in all three matches.
‘Honestly, I ended up not even seeing my shot because I fell to the ground and only saw the ball bounce off the post.
‘Every time I take to the field and take a shot I’m dreaming. I dreamed that we could make history and eliminate the United States in the group stage for the first time.
‘I think anyone who watched this match at home and didn’t know the United States were world champions, they still wouldn’t have known it afterwards. We were far superior.’
On the United States having a camera crew following them around for a Netflix documentary, Capeta added: ‘To spoil the Netflix series would have been something. We could have reversed the roles in it!’
She added: ‘We are very united on the field and what we lack in technique and tactics we make up for in spirit and desire. They will never beat us in that. It was a positive World Cup and I hope it will be the first of many.’
The United States scraped through as runners-up – the first time they have failed to win at least two group matches – and will likely face Sweden in the next round, while Netherlands progressed as group winners after a thumping 7-0 win over Vietnam.
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