Netherlands scores early then shuts down Portugal at Women’s World Cup
DUNEDIN, New Zealand (AP) — Stefanie van der Gragt scored on a header within the thirteenth minute, main the Netherlands to a 1-0 win over Portugal on the Women’s World Cup on Sunday because the 2019 finalists started their match run.
The Dutch defender gathered herself as teammate Sherida Spitse lofted a nook kick her approach, then headed the ball throughout the objective into the far facet of the web. An offside assessment delayed the celebration.
The objective by the 30-year-old van der Gragt, who plans to retire after the Women’s World Cup, was the quickest first objective of the match. The Dutch managed the tempo of the sport — Portugal’s first shot of the match didn’t come till the 82nd minute.
The assembly with the Netherlands, ranked No. 9 on the planet, marked Portugal’s first-ever match look.
On hand have been 11,991 spectators, who have been sheltered from the rain inside Dunedin’s lined Forsyth Barr Stadium, generally known as the Glasshouse, which has a capability of 25,947.
Though a lot of the crowd seemed to be Dutch followers, a small however mighty group of Portuguese supporters with flags and group attire banged on drums all through the sport, the beat echoing throughout the venue.
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KEY MOMENTS
Van der Gragt’s first-half objective gave the Dutch a lead and allowed them to play lockdown defence. Both groups performed a bodily sport, however Portugal was unable to match the Netherlands’ technical mastery.
WHY IT MATTERS
The Dutch victory raises the stakes for his or her upcoming rematch with two-time defending world champion United States, which defeated the Netherlands 2-0 in that 2019 closing. A winner in that match will achieve management of Group E and will very properly wrap up a berth within the knockout stage.
Portugal failed to interrupt by and grow to be the primary of the eight newcomers within the Women’s World Cup to get a win.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
“It’s an important goal. I’m proud of the team and it’s a good win. The first game is always the important game of the tournament and I think these three points are really good for us.” — Stefanie van der Gragt, Netherlands defender.
“What the Portuguese players did today is of utmost courage, utmost character. To play the vice champions of the world (2019 runners-up), and the Portuguese players managed to break their rhythm. We just need to play more matches and get used to this.” — Francisco Neto, Portugal head coach.
WHAT’S NEXT
Netherlands heads to the Group E showdown towards the U.S. on Thursday in Wellington. Portugal faces Vietnam, which didn’t get a single shot on objective in its 3-0 loss to the Americans, additionally on Thursday. That match is in Hamilton, with the loser doubtless out of competition for the spherical of 16.
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