Portugal botched debut
Oranje’s powerful header wrestles World Cup newcomer to the ground
07/23/2023, 11:38 am
The Netherlands are among the extended circle of favorites at the Women’s World Cup, but Leeuwinnen only just beat World Cup debutants Portugal at the start. An early header brings the decision – after VAR intervention. Then Oranje leaves the best chances.
Successful start to the World Cup for the Dutch footballers: The former European champions defeated Portugal 1-0 (1-0) in their first game at the finals in Australia and New Zealand. The narrow success was ultimately deserved due to clear finishing advantages and more offensive efforts. If the Leeuwinnen, European champions 2017 and runners-up world champions 2019, want to do something at this tournament, they still have to improve overall. In Group E, the Dutch, coached by former Bundesliga coach Andries Jonker, are second behind the USA.
Stephanie van der Gragt (13th) headed for the early lead – the goal only counted after checking the video images. Referee Kateryna Monsul announced her decision over the loudspeakers at the stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand, after Jill Roord, who was offside, neither touched the ball nor interfered with Portuguese goalkeeper Ines Pereira.
The goal gave the favorites additional security, Jonker’s team dominated the game, while the Portuguese retreated further and were only rarely able to launch relief attacks. Goalkeeper Pereira prevented a second goal with a strong reflex against Danielle van de Donk (52nd). As a result, Portugal also found their way into the offensive again and again, but mostly remained harmless. The Iberians managed to increase their goal threat in the final stages, but missed the only opportunity to equalize through Telma Encarnação in the 83rd minute; with a clear shot, she failed with an unplaced shot from the penalty area by goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.
The Netherlands will meet the USA in Wellington at 3 a.m. on Wednesday night. Portugal take on Vietnam on Thursday at 9.30am in Hamilton.