The United States advanced to the round of 16 in the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup on Tuesday in Auckland but co-captain Alex Morgan was unhappy with the goalless drawn against Portugal since her side missed many chances.
The four-time champions struggled to get going against the event’s debutants and nearly lost as Portugal forward Ana Capeta hit the post in stoppage time.
"(We) should have solved problems a little bit better on the field, made a little bit better decisions... and taken advantage of the opportunities given to us," said Morgan.
"We didn't do that in a lot of ways in the game and that's why the scoreline was the way that it was."
US finished in second place in Group E behind the Netherlands, whom they held to a 1-1 draw after defeating Vietnam 3-0 in the first match.
US fans are more used to seeing their team finish at the top of the table but the same can’t be said for Morgan, who was in the team that finished behind Sweden in the group stage in 2011.
They went on to reach the final that year but suffered defeat at the hands of Japan on penalties.
"We missed some big chances, I did as well. We should have put some in the back of the net and we didn’t. We own that. We’re not happy with the performance we put out there but at the same time, we’re moving on," Morgan told reporters.
"Now it’s (about) coming back together knowing that we have all of the pieces to make it all way but putting that all together."
Remaining group stage matches
Wednesday, August 2
Group G: Argentina vs. Sweden
Group G: South Africa vs. Italy
Group F: Panama vs. France
Group F: Jamaica vs. Brazil
Thursday, August 3
Group H: South Korea vs. Germany
Group H: Morocco vs. Colombia