Portugal knocks Vietnam out of Women’s World Cup with 2-0 victory in group stage

Telma Encarnacao scored one purpose and assisted on one other as Portugal defeated Vietnam 2-0 on Thursday within the Women’s World Cup, a win that ensured Vietnam won’t advance to the knockout stage.

Portugal jumped forward within the seventh minute following a fast collection of decisive passes by means of the Vietnamese protection. Lucia Alves dropped in an ideal cross to Encarnacao on the high of the six-yard field for a easy end.

Portugal nonetheless has a shot to advance out of the group stage however might want to win or draw in opposition to the United States, with a Netherlands loss subsequent Tuesday in opposition to Vietnam.

In the twenty first minute, Portugal turned a purpose kick from Vietnam into an opportunity, taking possession and transferring downfield. Encarnacao slipped the ball to Kika Nazareth as she raced by means of defenders, and the 20-year-old ahead slotted the second purpose of the night time to the left of goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh.

Portugal coach Francisco Neto held out seven starters from the staff’s 1-0 loss to the Netherlands, together with 31-year-old captain Dolores Silva and goalkeeper Ines Pereira. Both Encarnacao and Nazareth got here off the bench within the loss to the Dutch; each began within the win over Vietnam.

About 6,650 followers turned out to Waikato Stadium, which has a capability of 18,009. The crowd was principally Vietnamese followers, but it surely was the Portuguese contingent that made all of the noise.

PHOTOS: Portugal knocks Vietnam out of Women’s World Cup with 2-0 victory in group stage

Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy was the lone shiny spot for Vietnam. The proper winger appeared threatening the few occasions the Golden Star Women Warriors discovered themselves on the assault however couldn’t produce a purpose.

KEY MOMENT

In its second Women’s World Cup match, Portugal acquired its very first Women’s World Cup purpose.

It stemmed from a blinding sequence that moved Portuguese gamers into the ultimate third of the pitch with time and house. Alves teed up Encarnacao with an inch-perfect cross, and the ahead simply delivered the purpose.

WHY IT MATTERS

With its first-ever Women’s World Cup win, event newcomer Portugal stays in third place in Group E, only a level behind the United States and the Netherlands. To qualify for the spherical of 16, the Portuguese want a win or a draw, paired with a Netherlands loss, on the ultimate matchday.

Vietnam is out of competition for the knockout rounds, and the Golden Star Women Warriors are nonetheless with out a purpose of their first Women’s World Cup.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

“This is the most important goal, it was scored in a World Cup. This is history for Portugal. I’m incredibly proud,” mentioned Encarnacao about her purpose within the seventh minute.

“From this match, we can see where we are, where our level is,” Vietnam head coach Mai Duc Chung mentioned of evaluating Vietnam‘s efficiency.

WHAT’S NEXT

Portugal performs its subsequent match in Auckland in opposition to the reigning world champion and group chief United States.

Vietnam, in the meantime, faces a frightening end to its first event in Dunedin in opposition to the Netherlands.