The Netherlands kicked off their Group E marketing campaign with a 1-0 win over Women’s World Cup debutants Portugal at Dunedin Stadium on Sunday due to a first-half objective from Stefanie Van der Gragt that was once awarded on a VAR evaluate.
The Dutch edged Portugal 3-2 a yr in the past within the European Championship team degree, however this time the Iberian aspect had been no fit for the workforce of their trademark orange and didn’t have a shot on track till the 82nd minute.
The Dutch scored within the thirteenth minute from a nook kick when Van der Gragt rose above the protection on the a ways publish to go house, however the flag went up for offside when the lineswoman deemed Jill Roord to be obstructing the goalkeeper.
However, the offside resolution for interfering with play was once overturned on a VAR evaluate by means of the referee after she watched a replay at the observe and the objective stood, sparking a 2d birthday party from the Dutch workforce.
Roord just about made it 2-0 mins later when she had a loose header within the six-yard field, however the unmarked midfielder headed over the bar at hand Portugal a lifeline.
Portugal, then again, didn’t muster a shot on objective within the first 1/2 whilst on the different finish they thwarted waves of assaults from the Dutch.
The tale was once the similar in the second one 1/2 when Portuguese keeper Ines Pereira denied Danielle van De Donk with a positive reflex save after some artful passing to arrange the midfielder.
Portugal exchange Telma Encarnacao in the end created her easiest alternative within the 82nd minute when she charged down the best flank and minimize in to shoot, however Dutch keeper Daphne van Domselaar was once as much as the duty and parried her strive.
The Netherlands transfer stage with team leaders United States on 3 issues however take a seat 2d on objective distinction forward of Thursday’s titanic conflict – a repeat of the 2019 ultimate the place the Americans gained their fourth World Cup crown.
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