Defender Stefanie van der Gragt scored the winner for the Netherlands in their opening match in Dunedin against Portugal, who were making their World Cup debut. It was not a convincing performance but it helped the Netherlands get into good spirits ahead of their much-anticipated Group E clash with the United States on July 27. The U.S. women's team began their quest for a third consecutive World Cup title with a 3-0 win over Vietnam.
Coach Jonker (right) of the Dutch women's team is not worried as he prepares to face the US.
After defeating Portugal, coach Jonker said: "Winning this match is the most important thing. Portugal has shown that they are a very difficult opponent. That does not mean we underestimate Vietnam. We respect them. We are not afraid of the US either."
The Netherlands women's team is not as strong as it was at the World Cup four years ago, when they reached the final in France and lost 2-0 to the United States. Coach Sarina Wiegman - who had a huge influence on the team - left to take charge of England and star striker Vivianne Miedema missed the World Cup due to a knee injury.
Vietnam women's team (red shirt) gathers for the match against Portugal
In the opening match, coach Jonker named a starting lineup with seven players who played in the 2019 Women's World Cup final. Van der Gragt, one of the most experienced players, scored a goal in the 13th minute for the Netherlands in front of nearly 12,000 spectators. Center back Van der Gragt, who has more than 100 caps for the national team, powerfully headed a corner kick from Sherida Spitse to beat Portugal goalkeeper Ines Pereira.
Vietnam women's team's match schedule at the 2023 Women's World Cup
Portugal's women's team qualified for the World Cup for the first time through the play-offs and the emotion in their first match of the tournament saw some of their players in tears during the Portuguese national anthem. Against the Netherlands, Portugal struggled to create chances, with just one shot on target from Telma Encarnacao in the 82nd minute. They will be hoping to get their first World Cup win when they face Vietnam in their next Group E match.
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