The Netherlands open their 2023 Women’s World Cup campaign against fellow European nation and debutants Portugal on Sunday.
NED-W vs POR-W Match Details
Date: Sunday, 23 July 2023
Time: 13:00 (IST) / 19:30 (NZST)
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
NED-W vs POR-W Match Preview
Finalists in 2019, the Netherlands wish to be productive again at the biggest stage of women’s football without their record goal-scorer Vivanne Midemma. The Arsenal striker will be a big miss for the side but the other star names on the forward line are performing their duty elegantly. The Dutch have scored 20 goals in eight games since they sealed their qualification to the 2023 Women’s World Cup including nine in their last two warm-up friendlies. Their scoring momentum will be important in a group that is carrying the holders USA whom they will try to exert revenge for their final defeat four years ago. Before the Netherlands face them in the second match, Portugal will provide a challenge of themselves in the opener. The Dutch played a thrilling match against them in the Euros a year ago requiring a Daniëlle van de Donk screamer to settle the tie. That competition did not go as planned with the quarterfinal exit to France causing an end to Mark Parsons's fractured tenure. Andries Jonker stepped in for his second spell as the Netherlands boss to bring about a change in the team and head them to the direction now England manager Sarina Weigman took in the past. In his first Women’s World Cup in charge and the third for the Netherlands, Jonker will demand precision at all costs.
While the Dutch are spirited for the new beginning, Portugal are feeling the same with the progress they have made over the years. After a commendable Euro campaign despite finishing last in their group, where they debuted with the withdrawal of Russia due Russo-Ukrainian War, the Selecao made it to their first Women’s World Cup in history. Francisco Neto’s side had to take the Confederation playoff route to get to the finals. They had to go through two UEFA playoffs in the first place. In a tense affair with Cameroon, Portugal took the lead through centre-back Diana Gomes’ header from a corner but failed to double it even after dominating the game throughout. It became costly as Ajara Nchout struck the equalizer in the 89th minute. Just when extra time loomed large, the other centre-back Carole Costa slotted the winner from the penalty awarded deep into the stoppage time. Portugal wants to be the exciting package again in a group with two finalists from last year and another debutant Vietnam. The task is even bigger than the Euros but as the Selecao show their fight will not die. Their first task will be to snap the Dutch’s 100% record in opening group-stage matches in the Women’s World Cup by winning for the first time against them.
Recent Form
NED-W: WWLWL
POR-W: LWDDL
NED-W vs POR-W Predicted Lineups
NED-W: Van Domselaar; Sherida Spitse, Van der Gragt, Dominque Janssen; Victoria Pelova, Jill Roord, Van de Donk, Jackie Groenen, Esmee Brugts; Lieke Martens, Lineth Beerensteyn
POR-W: Ines Perreira; Ana Borges, Diana Gomes, Carole Costa, Catarina Amado; Tatiana Pinto, Dolores Silva, Andreia Norton; Jessica Silva, Francisca Nazareth, Dianna Silva
NED-W vs POR-W Dream11 Team Prediction
GK: Van Domselaar (8)
DEF: Van der Gragt (8.5), Costa (8.5), Gomes (7.5)
MID: Spitse (9), Van de Donk (8.5), Dolores (8.5), Roord (8)
FW: Diana (9), Martens (9), Beerensteyn (8.5)
Vice-captain: Lineth Beerensteyn
Captain: Lieke Martens
