Far from an easy job for the favourites, but just enough to clinch a critical victory.That would be the shortest summary of the Netherlands’ 1-0 win over FIFA Women’s World Cup debutants Portugal in the second match of Group E.The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup finalists secure the W in their Group E opener against Portugal! 🇳🇱Rewatch Netherlands’ brilliant performance in our 90′ in 90″ highlights ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/43HBJTDJd0— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 23, 2023 Despite dominating the possession and creating several promising chances during 90 minutes, unlike their opponents, the Dutch team had to settle with a single goal that proved to be enough to grab all three points.The decisive moment came before the interval, as Stefanie van der Gragt buried a header from the far post straight into the bottom right corner. At first, it was ruled out by referee Kateryna Monzul before the video assistant referee encouraged her to review her decision on the pitch-side monitor.2 – The Netherlands faced only two attempts against Portugal, the lowest tally of shots faced for @oranjevrouwen in a FIFA Women’s World Cup match ever. Plan.#FIFAWWC #NEDPOR pic.twitter.com/2JxEPJUcZU— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) July 23, 2023 While the Oranje continued to look dangerous from set-pieces, Portugal, despite glimmers of promise from Jessica Silva, offered very little in front of goal.##NAJAVA_MECA_7383459##The win moved the Netherlands second in Group E, below reigning world champions USA on goal difference.
