Portugal Women vs Vietnam Women – Match preview, live stream, kick-off time, prediction, team news, lineups
Portugal will face Vietnam with both aiming to secure their first points in the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup.
Portugal’s opening game saw them lose 1-0 to the Netherlands, while Vietnam were defeated by the USA 3-0. Kicking off their campaigns with losses means both teams will be desperate for a win and get three crucial points on the board.
- Group E: Portugal vs Vietnam (08:30, Hamilton) – ITV 1
Match Preview
Portugal World Cup campaign
In their first appearance at the Women’s World Cup finals, Portugal were defeated by the 2019 runners-up, the Netherlands.
Despite putting up a competitive performance, Portugal couldn’t find the back of the net, and Stefanie van der Gragt’s first-half goal secured a narrow 1-0 victory for the Netherlands.
Looking ahead, Portugal faces a challenging task in their final group game against the USA if they are to progress to the knockout rounds. Their immediate focus, however, is on securing a win on Thursday, which won’t be an easy feat given their recent form, with just one win in their last five matches.
Nonetheless, Portugal has shown resilience in defence, having conceded only two goals in their previous four outings, which may work in their favour as they aim for a positive result in their upcoming match.
Vietnam World Cup campaign
Much like their Thursday opponents, Vietnam is making their debut at the Women’s World Cup, and they faced a formidable challenge in their tournament introduction against the four-time champions, USA.
Vietnam managed to hold off the USA for 14 minutes before Sophia Smith broke the deadlock. The Vietnamese team received a boost when Tran Thi Kim Thanh saved Alex Morgan’s penalty. However, they couldn’t prevent Smith from scoring again just before halftime, and Lindsey Horan’s goal in the 77th minute sealed a 3-0 victory for the USA, leaving Vietnam with a fourth consecutive defeat.
Despite the losses, Mai Duc Chung’s side displayed commendable character in their opening match. Although Portugal ranks 17 places above Vietnam in the FIFA World Rankings, Thursday’s match might offer them their best opportunity to secure a positive result in a challenging group.
Team News
Carole Costa and Diana Gomes will line up in the centre of the Portugal defence, while Ana Borges and Catarina Amado are set to feature as the two full-backs.
After coming off the bench in the second half against the Netherlands, Kika Nazareth could be presented with a starting berth.
Portugal boss Francisco Neto is expected to keep faith with the forward pairing of Jessica Silva and Diana Silva.
As for Vietnam, Thu Thuong Luong Thi, Thi Dem My Le and Thu Tran Thi are set to continue in central defence, while Thu Thao Tran Thi and Loan Hoang Thi are expected to retain their places as the two wing-backs.
Van Su Ngan Thi was introduced at halftime against the USA, and the 22-year-old could be included in the starting lineup for Thursday’s contest.
Nhu Huynh will continue to lead the line for her country, and she will be hoping to score Vietnam’s first goal at the World Cup.
Portugal Women possible starting lineup:
Pereira; Borges, C. Costa, Gomes, Amado; T. Pinto, Do. Silva, Norton; Nazareth; J. Silva, Di. Silva
Vietnam Women possible starting lineup:
Kim Thanh; Thu Thao, Thu Thuong, Diem My, Thu, Thi Loan; Bich Thuy, Hai Linh, Thi Thao, Tuyet Dung; Nhu
WTX Sport predicts Portugal 3-1 Vietnam
Both teams will give everything they have to try to get all three points but we think Portugal will come out on top.
