The Dutch players after scoring the winner (©Lars Baron/Getty Images)
The Dutch players after scoring the winner (©Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Netherlands pounce on Portugal's inexperience as a single goal seals a win over debutants

Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 23.07.23. | 13:15

Stefanie van der Gragt's first-half winner could send the Dutch team into the next round

Far from an easy job for the favourites, but just enough to clinch a critical victory.

That would be the shortest summary of the Netherlands' 1-0 win over FIFA Women's World Cup debutants Portugal in the second match of Group E.

Despite dominating the possession and creating several promising chances during 90 minutes, unlike their opponents, the Dutch team had to settle with a single goal that proved to be enough to grab all three points.

The decisive moment came before the interval, as Stefanie van der Gragt buried a header from the far post straight into the bottom right corner. At first, it was ruled out by referee Kateryna Monzul before the video assistant referee encouraged her to review her decision on the pitch-side monitor.

While the Oranje continued to look dangerous from set-pieces, Portugal, despite glimmers of promise from Jessica Silva, offered very little in front of goal.

The win moved the Netherlands second in Group E, below reigning world champions USA on goal difference.


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The NetherlandsPortugalFIFA 2023 Women's World Cup

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