Match Preview
Portugal faced a setback in the World Cup after suffering a defeat in their first match against the Netherlands. Falling behind early due to a blocked kick by Lineth Beerensteyn, Portugal conceded a corner kick. The subsequent well-executed corner and cross by Sherida Spitse led to a goal scored by Stefanie van der Gragt in the 13th minute. Despite Portugal’s impressive scoring record in 17 out of their last 18 matches before this game, they were unable to find the back of the net on this occasion. However, they did have a chance to equalize when, in the 82nd minute, Telma Encarnacao took a shot from the right side of the box, only to be denied by a fantastic save, preventing Portugal from scoring.
On the other hand, Vietnam faced a tough challenge against the USA team, failing to score a goal or even register a shot throughout the game. They struggled to maintain possession, with only 34 percent of the ball, choosing a defensive approach to limit the United States’ chances and hoping for a counter-attacking opportunity that never materialized. Despite their efforts, they managed to keep the United States to just three goals, which was better than the expected result of conceding six. Vietnam has been struggling to score in their last three matches and must find a way to break their goal drought in this crucial game.
Both teams find themselves in a dire situation, as a loss would almost certainly eliminate them from the tournament. To have a chance of advancing, they would need to win their last game and hope for a three-way tie, relying on goal differential to secure a spot in the next stage.
Starting lineups
Portugal:
- Goalkeeper: Ines Pereira
- Defenders: Carole Costa, Diana Silva, Alicia Correia, Joana Marchão
- Midfielders: Dolores Silva, Tatiana Pinto, Andreia Norton, Kika Nazareth
- Forwards: Jéssica Silva, Carolina Mendes
Vietnam:
- Goalkeeper: Tran Thi Thu Thuy
- Defenders: Hoang Thi Loan, Nguyen Thi Tuyet Dung, Tran Thi Thuy Trang, Nguyen Thi Van
- Midfielders: Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy, Nguyen Thi Thuy, Nguyen Thi Tuyet Mai, Pham Hai Yen
- Forwards: Huynh Nhu, Nguyen Thi Van Anh
Where To Watch
TV: FS1
Stream: Fox Sports App
Time: 3:30 AM ET/ 12:30 AM PT
Prediction
This is a close match to call, but Portugal are the slight favorites. They have more experience at this level, and they have a better squad on paper. However, Vietnam will be determined to make their World Cup debut a memorable one, and they will not be easy to beat.
We predict Portugal will win this match 2-1.
Top Tip
Our Expert Tipster Predict
Portugal – (-2)
Total Goal – over 2.5
Portugal clearly holds the upper hand in this match, being the vastly superior team and the heavy favorites to secure a victory. They are expected to perform well and should aim to score numerous goals, especially if goal differential comes into play. Despite this, Vietnam’s defense is of good quality and can pose a challenge to Portugal’s goal-scoring ambitions.
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