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 because of a first-half purpose from Stefanie Van der Gragt that used to be awarded on a VAR evaluate.
The Dutch edged Portugal 3-2 a yr in the past within the European Championship crew degree, however this time the Iberian facet have been no fit for the workforce of their trademark orange and didn’t have a shot not off course 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 assistant referee deemed Jill Roord to be obstructing the goalkeeper.
However, the offside resolution for interfering with play used to be overturned on a VAR evaluate by means of the referee after she watched a replay at the track and the purpose stood, sparking a 2nd party from the Dutch workforce.
“We celebrated the goal and then we saw the assistant referee, so we had to wait for the final decision,” Van der Gragt advised newshounds after she used to be named participant of the fit.
“It’s all the time tricky to have a good time a 2nd time however it used to be just right. I’m in point of fact satisfied that we gained, that used to be a very powerful factor these days.”
Roord nearly made it 2-0 minutes later when she had a free header in the six-yard box, but the unmarked midfielder headed over the bar to hand Portugal a lifeline.
Portugal, however, failed to muster a shot on goal in the first half while at the other end they thwarted waves of attacks from the Dutch.
The story was the same in the second half when Portuguese keeper Ines Pereira denied Danielle van De Donk with a fine reflex save after some clever passing to set up the midfielder.
“Portugal were really combative. There were moments where we were great and moments where there is room for improvement,” Dutch trainer Andries Jonker stated.
Portugal change Telma Encarnacao after all created her highest alternative within the 82nd minute when she charged down the correct flank and reduce in to shoot, however Dutch keeper Daphne van Domselaar used to be as much as the duty and parried her strive.
“We must have had a response after the purpose, we had a well-balanced sport and construction. But in comparison to different fits with the Netherlands, they’d much more ownership… This is the place we suffered,” Portugal coach Francisco Neto said.
“The players showed great character to play the 2019 runners-up. We managed to break their rhythm, we just need to play more matches and get experience.
The Netherlands move level with group leaders United States on three points but sit second on goal difference ahead of Thursday’s clash – a repeat of the 2019 final where the US won their fourth World Cup.
“We’re now not terrified of America, we recognize them, we don’t have any worry,” Jonker said, adding that their focus since June had been the opening game against Portugal.
“This used to be a very powerful sport and now it is time to focal point at the United States.”