The Netherlands began their World Cup campaign with a dominant display over debutants Portugal in the Forsyth Barr Stadium, New Zealand. Despite the scoreboard suggesting a close match between the two, Oranje Leeuwinnen (Dutch Lionesses) were never under any real threat throughout the 90 minutes.
It was clear from the get-go that the Netherlands were simply too much for their opponents. The speed of Victoria Pelova and Lineth Beerensteyn on the wings was causing problems for the Portuguese defense from the start, leading to a corner in the 12th minute of the match.
Stefanie van der Gragt headed home the only goal of the game from the ensuing corner and then it was simply a matter of controlling the match for the remaining 77 minutes. Oranje Leeuwinnen managed 12 shots compared to their opponents’ 2 and held onto the ball for most of the contest.
This is now the third consecutive World Cup campaign that the squad opens up with a 1-0 win. In the 2019 and 2015 tournaments, they defeated New Zealand by the same score.
Captain Sherida Spitse eyes World Cup glory
Making her third World Cup tournament appearance, former SC Heerenveen midfielder and current national team captain Sherida Spitse believes that this is precisely the start the team needs.
“We had control [of the match],” she told NOS. “This is a good start.”
Spitse, who had the most assists during the 2019 edition, opened up her account with a swinging cross for Van der Gragt’s header. She’ll be hoping that the form she’s on carries forward as the Netherlands face their toughest test yet.
Oranje Leeuwinnen will meet the two-time defending champions United States on Thursday, the 27th of July. The contest is a rematch of the 2019 final, in which the USA triumphed 2-0 to lift their record-extending fourth World Cup title. This will be a true test to see where exactly the Netherlands are as a team, and whether or not the squad can dream of lifting the most prestigious trophy in all of football.
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