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THE FACTS
When is Netherlands vs Portugal on and what time does it start? Netherlands vs Portugal will take place on Sunday 23rd July, 2023 – 08:30 (UK)
Where is Netherlands vs Portugal taking place? Netherlands vs Portugal will take place at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Where can I get tickets for Netherlands vs Portugal? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Netherlands vs Portugal
What channel is Netherlands vs Portugal on in the UK? Netherlands vs Portugal will be televised live on BBC One
Where can I stream Netherlands vs Portugal in the UK? Netherlands vs Portugal can be streamed on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport Website
THE LOWDOWN
NETHERLANDS
- Netherlands have come a long way since their disaster of a campaign at Euro 2022 and now under the command of Andries Jonker, look far more like the side who won Euro 2017 and reached the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup final back when Sarina Wiegman was in charge,
- However, there is a glaring miss among the Dutch squad, that being Vivianne Miedema, their record scorer with 95 goals for her country in 115 appearances, putting into perspective how big a miss she will be and Jonker’s ultimate test will be setting his team up in a way which best mitigates her absence.
PORTUGAL
- No nation worked harder to reach this summer’s Women’s World Cup than Portugal, who after a gruelling qualification campaign, set up an Intercontinental Play-Off match against Cameroon to determine which would ultimately gain a place in Australia and New Zealand, Francisco Neto’s side triumphing in dramatic fashion following a 94th minute winner from the penalty spot by Carole Costa.
- Whilst this may be their first foray into the Women’s World Cup, seven players among the Portuguese squad have been capped 100 or more times for their country, which will surely benefit them with teamwork and chemistry so important here against a formidable Dutch side.
THE TEAM NEWS
NETHERLANDS
PREDICTED XI (3-4-1-2): Van Domselaar; Nouwen, Van der Gragt, Janssen; Pelova, Spitse, Groenen, Van de Donk; Roord; Beerensteyn, Martens
UNAVAILABLE: Miedema (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
PORTUGAL
PREDICTED XI (4-1-2-1-2): Pereira; Borges, Gomes, Costa, Amado; Dolores Silva; Pinto, Norton; Nazareth; J. Silva, Diana Silva
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- The Netherlands have won seven of the previous eight international matches between these two nations with Portugal having claimed a solitary victory.
- The Dutch have progressed through to the knockout phase on each of their two previous appearances at the finals. They lost in the round of 16 against the eventual runners-up Japan on their debut in 2015 and then enjoyed a remarkable run to the final in 2019.
- The Netherlands have lost only one of their previous six FIFA Women’s World Cup™ group matches (W4 D1) and won all three group fixtures in 2019.
- The Netherlands won 1-0 in their opening match at the last two Women’s World Cup final competitions.
- Portugal have never qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ previously, however, they do have some previous major final tournament experience with appearances in the UEFA Women’s EURO finals in 2017 and 2022.
- Portugal finished their qualifying campaign for the 2023 finals with just two defeats in 13 matches, both against two-time Women’s World Cup winners Germany.
THE PREDICTION
Portugal’s fighting spirit which served them so well in their qualification campaign, will be need in bucketloads against a Netherlands outfit who may lack Miedema, but don’t lack class. They boast a wonderful record against Portugal in international women’s football and are likely to enjoy the majority of possession here. It may take time for Portugal to settle into the tournament and Netherlands’ ruthlessness under Jonker should see them comfortably come out on top in this their opening group game.
TIP: NETHERLANDS TO WIN