A share of the spoils will see the United States finish as Group E runners up as they failed to break down a stubborn Portugal side in Eden Park.

That result will see them meet Sweden in the next round, the World Number 3 side, will be no easy task, one of Japan and Norway to come if they make the last eight.

Frustration was clear to see from the Stars and Stripes, they struggled in front of goal, Portugal strong in defence, Rose Lavelle will miss the next round following a clumsy challenge, they did enough to get out of dodge and remain in the competition.

In terms of possession it was all the United States in the opening minutes, getting out of the block quick to put pressure on the World Cup debutants, Alex Morgan had the first major chance, she tried to connect a cross goal wards but it rippled the side netting. Corner given, Ros Lavelle delivered, Lynn Williams headed to the hands of Ines Pereira.

Williams again threatened this time forcing Pereira into a diving save to keep a header out, chances were rare from the Portuguese side, going up the other end however Jessica Silva raced through from a Kika Nazareth through ball, she dragged her shot to the left and wide, that could have been the moment early in the tie.

Portugal were not backing down, prior to SIlva’s chance, Andreia Norton had an effort just go over the bar, they passed with precision and the US looked a side easy to exploit if the right combination of moves was achieved.

An incredible defensive shift by Portugal was tormenting the World Champions, Pereira was on form, Morgan dribbled along by the byline, it looked like it had trickled out of play, Rebecca Welch the match referee waved play on, with the Portugal net minder Pereira needing to make a double save, Morgan and Williams with efforts, Williams on the second attempt fired over.

Just a little after the half hour mark, the ever dangerous Sophia Smith looked to have a chance after Williams found her with a cross, she opted not to shoot instead looking to find Morgan, the pass cut out by a Portuguese player.

The narrative of the opening half was Portugal defended with ruthless intent, the USA however kept giving the ball away, Portugal looked a side playing with all the confidence, free flowing football that we might not have seen from the minnows.

Frustration was creeping into the USA, their supporters not happy in the stands, Rose Lavelle was late in a challenge with Portugal captain Dolores Silva and was immediately shown a yellow boos echoing around Eden Park.

Late threat from the Stars and Stripes going into first half stoppage time, Andi Sullivan had a corner punched away by Pereira, they recycled the ball, cross to the area, Williams had an effort but Pereira saved comfortably, that was the half, a frustrated side with several players surrounding Welch after the whistle sounded.

Just a few minutes into the second half and the US started brighter, a free kick landed to Lavelle who shot over the bar, they had confidence but also showed signs of nerves, playing in uncharted waters, they never have had to survive a straight shootout to go through.

Tension and some aggression started to show, yellow cards shown to both teams as they both knew the circumstances of this tie, Morgan had another great chance after rounding Pereira, Dina Gomes however blocking her tight angled shot to keep the game scoreless.

Chances came and went a begging for the USA, Lavelle vollied over, Morgan had a header that went over also, before Smith just could not get the final pass off to create something, she was chosen to be taken off for Megan Rapinoe as the United States were in desperate need of a goal.

Alarm bells for the United States, but instead it was fire alarms going off in Eden Park, it may well have been for the USA side as they still were desperate for the opener, Williams failed to direct a volley goal bound from a Morgan cross, they had everything dealt with by the intense nature of the Portugal rearguard, shepherded by Pereira in net.

As the minutes ticked by the US tried and failed, they pressed but no outcome, into eight minutes of stoppage time, it was all Portugal, Ana Capeta hit the post, much to the relief of the United States, an incredible strike that could have landed into the bottom corner.

Nerves were showing from the United States, Andreia Jacinto fired a shot over the bar, before a wide free kick saw USA keeper Alyssa Naeher try to collect the ball but it went through her and out for a goal kick.