The USA holds the championship title, following their 2-0 victory against the Netherlands in the 2019 Women’s World Cup.
The highlight of today’s group stage matches in Australia and New Zealand is a rematch of the 2019 Women’s World Cup final between the USA and the Netherlands. The USA emerged victorious with a 2-0 win four years ago and this encounter is likely to determine who will top Group E.
Portugal faces Vietnam in the group’s other match, while the co-host, Australia, aims for a second victory as they take on Nigeria in Group B.
Here’s what to expect on the eighth day of the Women’s World Cup.
USA vs Netherlands
Group E | Wellington | 02:00 BST | BBC
A tantalizing showdown between the USA and the Netherlands awaits, with a lot at stake.
The USA’s victory in France four years ago, thanks to goals from Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle, will still be fresh in the minds of the Dutch, who will be looking for redemption come Thursday.
“This is a prime example of modern women’s football,” said Andries Jonker, the coach for the Netherlands.
“The game will be fiercely competitive from start to finish. Both teams are fearless, hold mutual respect, and have a burning desire to top the group, promising a great match.”
The Dutch will miss striker Lineth Beerensteyn due to an ankle injury from their 1-0 victory against Portugal in the group opener.
On the other hand, the United States, looking for a third consecutive World Cup title, began their 2023 campaign with a 3-0 win over Vietnam.
“For us, this is a key group stage match, and we will pull out all the stops,” stated USA coach Vlatko Andonovski.
The USA launched 26 shots at the Vietnamese goal but managed to hit the target only seven times. Andonovski is pushing for his team to be more ruthless in front of goal.
“We’ve analyzed this from different perspectives,” he said, discussing the team’s strategies to improve their finishing, “including on-pitch training, video reviews, and one-on-one conversations with players to refine their approach.”
Rachel Brown-Finnis, football expert at the Sports News Center, predicts a tight match but leans towards another USA victory. She further suggests that this match will give a clearer view of the defending champions’ form.
The Netherlands, despite recent struggles, are believed to be improving. Brown-Finnis predicts a 2-1 outcome.
Key stat: The Netherlands hasn’t won against the USA in their last nine meetings across all competitions, suffering eight losses and conceding at least two goals each time, totaling 28.
Portugal vs Vietnam
Group E | Hamilton | 08:30 BST | ITV
Both teams enter this match aiming for their first victory in the tournament after suffering losses in the opening round.
Making their Women’s World Cup debut, Portugal sees this match as a potential three-point haul before facing the reigning champions USA in their final group game.
Vietnam, also newcomers to the tournament, demonstrated significant resilience in their opening loss to the USA.
Brown-Finnis predicts that Portugal will dominate the attack and forecasts a 2-0 outcome. She recognizes that Vietnam is unlikely to progress beyond Group E, but their exposure to this level of competition will be invaluable.
Key stat: Vietnam’s coach Mai Duc Chung, at 73 years and 31 days, became the oldest coach in Women’s World Cup history during their match against the USA.
Australia vs Nigeria
Group B | Brisbane | 11:00 BST | BBC
Injury-struck Australia hopes to secure a spot in the round of 16 as co-hosts.
The Matildas will have to make do without injured Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler, who replaced Kerr in the opening match but has since suffered a head injury during training.
Defender Aivi Luik is also sidelined due to a head injury. Their only recognized striker left is Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord.
Australia coach Tony Gustavsson commented on the situation: “Unfortunately, we were unlucky with two head injuries. But the players remain undeterred, focusing on what they can control.”
Randy Waldrum, Nigeria’s coach, isn’t underestimating a weakened Australian side. He warned his team to stick to their game plan regardless of the Matildas’ injuries, following their impressive 0-0 draw with Canada in their Group B opener.
Brown-Finnis’ prediction: In Sam Kerr’s absence, Australia faces a tough game against Nigeria, who demonstrated against Canada that they’re a challenging opponent. A draw wouldn’t be surprising.
Key stat: Nigeria experienced their first goalless draw in their 27th match in the FIFA Women’s World Cup during their opening match.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about FIFA Women’s World Cup
Who are the defending champions of the Women’s World Cup?
The USA are the defending champions, having won the Women’s World Cup in 2019 with a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands.
Who are the key players to watch in the USA vs Netherlands match?
Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle were key players for the USA in their last encounter with the Netherlands in 2019, scoring the goals that won them the championship.
Which teams are making their debut in this Women’s World Cup?
Both Portugal and Vietnam are participating in the Women’s World Cup for the first time.
Who are the co-hosts of the current Women’s World Cup?
The current Women’s World Cup is being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Which players are injured in the Australian team?
The Matildas are missing Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler due to injuries, with defender Aivi Luik also ruled out after sustaining a head injury during training.
What is the significant achievement of Vietnam’s coach in this tournament?
Vietnam’s coach Mai Duc Chung, at 73 years and 31 days old, became the oldest coach to manage a team in a Women’s World Cup match in the history of the competition.
What is the predicted outcome of the matches according to football expert Rachel Brown-Finnis?
She predicts a tight USA victory over the Netherlands with a 2-1 score, a 2-0 win for Portugal over Vietnam, and a 1-1 draw between Australia and Nigeria.
More about FIFA Women’s World Cup
- FIFA Women’s World Cup
- USA Women’s National Team
- Netherlands Women’s National Team
- Australia Women’s National Team
- Nigeria Women’s National Team
- Portugal Women’s National Team
- Vietnam Women’s National Team
6 comments
USA all the way, Rapinoe’s gonna smash it again I bet.
Netherlands need to get their revenge this time round…no excuses!
Great to see the games happening here in Aus and NZ, the atmosphere is amazing!
73 years old and still coaching? Mai Duc Chung, you’re a legend mate!
Honestly, the Aussies need to get their act together. Injuries are no excuse!
Let’s give props to Portugal and Vietnam. Debut tournament and they’re holding their own!