Defender Stefanie van der Gragt scored the winner as the Netherlands women's national team took all three points in their opening match in Dunedin against Portugal, who were making their World Cup debut. It was not a completely convincing performance but it helped the Netherlands build up their spirits ahead of the most anticipated Group E match against the United States on July 27. The US women's national 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 are not as strong as they were 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 with a knee injury.
Vietnam women's team (red shirts) gather for the match against Portugal
Coach Jonker named seven players who played in the 2019 Women's World Cup final in the opening match. Van der Gragt, one of the most experienced players, scored 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 from Sherida Spitse to beat Portugal goalkeeper Ines Pereira.
Vietnam women's team 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 of their first match in the tournament saw some of their players in tears as they sang 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 win at the World Cup when they face Vietnam in their next Group E match.
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