Match Preview
Defending champions USA Women are geared up for a crucial clash against Portugal Women on Tuesday in their quest to seal a place in the last-16 of the Women’s World Cup 2023.
The USA, boasting a record five World Cup victories, enter Tuesday’s match at the top of the group, thanks to their narrow goal difference advantage over the Netherlands.
Following their commanding 3-0 win over Vietnam on Matchday One, the USA faced a tougher challenge in a rematch of the 2019 final against the Netherlands.
Trailing at halftime after Jill Roord’s 17th-minute goal, the Stars and Stripes fought back and managed to level the game through Lindsey Horan just after the hour mark, ending the encounter in a 1-1 draw.
With an impressive streak of reaching the knockout rounds in all eight previous Women’s World Cup editions, the USA understands that securing a point in Tuesday’s fixture will maintain their extraordinary record.
Portugal’s Selecao das Quinas, buoyed by their perfect record on Matchday Two, also have their eyes set on reaching the knockout rounds.
Kicking off their first-ever Women’s World Cup finals appearance with a narrow 1-0 loss to the Netherlands, Portugal revived their last-16 hopes with a triumph over Vietnam last Thursday.
Despite hitting the woodwork a couple of times and amassing 29 attempts, Portugal fell short of adding to their two-goal tally. Nevertheless, they celebrated their maiden victory at a Women’s World Cup.
As a result of this win, Portugal currently holds third position in Group E, with only one point separating them from both the Netherlands and the USA.
To secure a spot in the knockout rounds, they must defy the odds and defeat the USA, or a draw will suffice if the Netherlands suffer an unlikely defeat to Vietnam.
Starting Line Ups
Portugal
Morais; Borges, Costa, Seica; Alves, Jacinto, T. Pinto, Marchao; Nazareth; J. Silva, Encarnacao
USA
Naeher; Fox, Ertz, Girma, Dunn; Sullivan, Demelo, Horan; Rodman, Smith, Morgan
Key players
Alex Morgan (United States): The United States captain is the team’s top scorer with 11 goals. She will be looking to add to her tally in this match.
Diana Silva (Portugal): The Portugal captain is a talented midfielder who can create chances for her teammates. She will be looking to lead her team to a surprise victory in this match.
Where to watch
TV
FOX, Telemundo, IVT1, STV Scotland, TSN1, TSN4,
TSN5, FIFA WWC CH01
Stream
Fubo, Fox Sports site/app,
Peacock (Spanish),
Telemundo Deportes site/app, ITVX, STV Player, Optus Sport, Viu TV
Prediction
My prediction is that the United States will secure a comfortable victory in this match. On paper, they are the stronger team and boast significant experience in handling high-pressure games. I anticipate a confident 3-0 win for the United States.
Top Tips
Our Expert Tipster suggest:
TG Over 2.5
USA Win- (-1.5)
