Portugal registered a confident 2-0 win over Vietnam in their second game of this FIFA Women’s World Cup at the Waikato Stadium. The game was a must win one for the Francisco Neto-coached side as dropping points any further at this stage would have proved to be worse for them.
The side initiated a fine comeback following their loss to Netherlands in their opening game. This win has helped the Portugal side bag three crucial points as they’re now placed third in their group’s table with 3 points to their name along with a positive goal difference. Vietnam on the other hand suffered their second defeat in a trot. The team is now on verge of being eliminated from the tournament inside the group stages itself.
The game began with Portugal dominating right from the starting. It took just 7 minutes for the Portuguese side to take the lead as young Elma Encarnacao scored her country’s first ever world cup goal. Alves clipped in a fine cross into the box to find Encarnacao who found the top right corner with a first time shot. Portugal came close to a second goal few minutes later when Silva aimed for goal only to be denied by the post after having been found by Nazareth’s fine pass.
They eventually were able to double their lead in the 21st minute. A poor goal kick by the Vietnam goalkeeper saw Portugal cut it out and gain possession of the ball in the dangerous area. Encarnacao spun and provided a fine pass to Nazareth who had acres of space and was able to calmly find the net with a shot past Thanh. Portugal continued their brilliant attacking in the following minutes too, but failed to add any more goals until half time.
Portugal came close to a third goal on a number of ocassions in the second half. Silva did brilliantly well to get past the defenders down the left to lift a cross in for Encarnacao in the box, who in turn smashed the ball on the volley sending it over the bar. Nazareth had her shot missing the target by inches as it came off the woodwork before having Thanh scrambled.
Portugal had another attempt of theirs denied by the crossbar when they win a free kick in th 81st minute. Machao stepped up to take the spot kick and sent her shot ove the wall, which though initially seemed to be a cross initially was actually deeper than expected. The attempt had sent Thanh scrambling on the far post as the ball after having seemed to dip in, ended up smacking the top of the bar. FT:- Portugal 2-0 Vietnam.
Portugal shall next be facing USA on Tuesday. Vietnam meanwhile shall be taking on Netherlands in their upcoming group stage match.
