The Netherlands, who suffered defeat in the 2019 Women’s World Cup final against the USA, were triumphant this time around, earning a 1-0 victory over the World Cup newcomers, Portugal, in Dunedin. The Dutch secured their win thanks to a first-half goal by Stefanie van der Gragt.
Initially, van der Gragt’s power-packed header was disallowed by referee Kateryna Monzul. However, after a prompt from the video assistant referee for a review, the decision was reversed.
Portugal were unable to cause any real disruption to the Dutch defence, only managing their single shot on target in the 82nd minute. This victory brought the Netherlands to second place in Group E, coming in under the reigning world champions, the USA, based on goal difference.
Despite early pressure from Portugal, the Netherlands got their first opportunity with Lineth Beerensteyn’s deflected strike, thanks to Carole Costa’s boot, which led to a corner.
The game-changing moment came from this corner when Dutch captain Sherida Spitse sent the ball flying to the back post where van der Gragt overpowered Tatiana Pinto, heading the ball into the lower right corner.
The Dutch team’s celebratory moment was briefly interrupted by Monzul’s whistle due to an apparent interference by Jill Roord with Portugal’s goalkeeper, Ines Pereira. However, after a pitch-side review of the play, the decision was overturned.
Roord later missed an opportunity to add another goal to the tally from a Spitse corner, as her header soared over the crossbar.
Despite the Netherlands’ dominance and threatening set-pieces, Portugal, although occasionally showing promise with Jessica Silva, lacked offensive potency.
In the second half, Danielle van de Donk and Beerensteyn made Pereira work, forcing saves, before Portugal started pressing harder. Nonetheless, Francisco Neto’s side struggled to create clear opportunities until Telma Encarnacao’s late attempt was thwarted by Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.
Player of the Match: Jackie Groenen
Groenen earned an impressive average rating of 8.19, while van der Gragt followed with 7.43. Van de Donk also put up a solid performance with an average rating of 7.23.
Game Statistics
The Dutch team held 56% possession, with 12 shots and 5 on target. They also won 3 corners while committing 8 fouls. In comparison, Portugal held 44% possession, made 2 shots with just 1 on target, and earned a single corner. They committed 14 fouls over the course of the match.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Netherlands vs Portugal Women’s Football Match
Who scored the only goal in the Netherlands vs Portugal match?
Stefanie van der Gragt from the Netherlands scored the only goal of the match.
What was the final score of the Netherlands vs Portugal match?
The final score was 1-0 in favor of the Netherlands.
Who was the Player of the Match in the Netherlands vs Portugal game?
Jackie Groenen from the Netherlands was awarded the Player of the Match.
Which team did the Netherlands lose to in the 2019 Women’s World Cup final?
The Netherlands lost to the USA in the 2019 Women’s World Cup final.
What was the position of the Netherlands in Group E after the match against Portugal?
After the victory over Portugal, the Netherlands moved to second place in Group E, only trailing the reigning world champions, the USA, on goal difference.
How many shots on target did Portugal manage during the match?
Portugal managed just one shot on target during the entire match.
Who was the referee of the Netherlands vs Portugal match?
The referee for the match was Kateryna Monzul.
More about Netherlands vs Portugal Women’s Football Match
- FIFA Women’s World Cup
- Netherlands Women’s National Football Team
- Portugal Women’s National Football Team
- Detailed Player Ratings
- Match Report and Statistics
1 comment
Portugal needs to work on their offence, just one shot on target aint gonna cut it…