FIFA Women’s World Cup: Netherlands 1 - 0 Portugal

2019 runners-up Holland got their campaign off the ground with a narrow win over Portugal this morning.

A first-half headed goal from Stefanie van der Gragt proved to be the difference in a game that failed to hit the heights of their Euros encounter. It gives them a platform to build upon though.   

It was a disappointing experience for Portugal who were playing in their first ever World Cup.

They failed to deal with the physical presence of the Dutch on set-pieces and struggled to create much of note going forward. It could prove damaging given the strength of their group.  

The World Cup finalists from 2019 who were looking to go one better, came into the competition missing their all-time goalscorer in Vivianne Miedema due to a cruciate ligament injury.

The experienced Jill Roord was expected to provide the ammunition for the likes of Lineth Beerensteyn and Lieke Martens. Stefanie van der Gragt was playing in her final tournament for the national side. It was an experienced Portuguese lineup featuring Jessica Silva who was expected to carry much of their threat.

It was a tentative opening period from both sides as the Dutch probably controlled most of the possession. Ines Perreira was quick to come off her line to claim a long ball forward before Danielle van de Donk could run onto it.

The midfield system of Portugal set up to limit the passing game of Holland and it proved to be somewhat of a quagmire at times. Van de Donk attempted to knock down a ball to her strike colleague Lineth Beerensteyn who only succeeded in colliding with the keeper.

The best chance came when Lieke Martens played a clever ball through for Beerensteyn who had peeled off the back of the last defender. She was slightly off balance and saw her deflected effort go over the bar.

The Dutch did go ahead, and it was a goal marked in its simplicity. A free kick was conceded after Beerensteyn was again proving to be a nuisance.

Sherida Spitse played it to the far post where Stefanie van der Gragt was able to loop her header over everyone and into the net. Initially ruled out for possible offside, it was awarded when VAR showed no contact from Jill Roord.

Another set-piece from Spitse almost brought a second goal. Roord gained room in the box but was only able to head over from a few yards out.

Portugal were unable to create anything of note and both Jessica and Diana Silva were starved of possession.

It seemed Holland had more nous up front and Beerensteyn continued to cause issues. She twice set up opportunities for van de Donk who was unable to take advantage of them.

If goal action was limited in the first-half, then there was even less to take note of in the second.

Jessica Silva tried to mount a comeback when she collected a long ball to run onto. She was outnumbered though and only able to shoot into the side netting.

Her namesake was also being shut out on the opposite side. Dominique Jannsen and Van der Gragt keeping her firmly under wraps. Beerensteyn then collected a forward pass out wide before driving inside and shooting early. It was saved by Pereira.

Too often moves from Portugal broke down due to lack of support or a poor final ball. Netherlands were content to maintain their lead and look for Beerensteyn and van de Donk on the break.

A blow for the Dutch came when Beerensteyn went down in a challenge with Diana Gomes. She might be a doubt for their next group game after she was taken off in some pain.

Relief rather than celebration at the end for Netherlands. They know they are a side in transition at the moment but they need to step it up for games coming up.

They next face USA who beat them in 2019 in an encounter that could decide who goes through on Thursday at 02.00 GMT.

Portugal must try to get their first points when they face fellow debutants Vietnam at 08.30 GMT on the same day.

Netherlands Women: Daphne Van Domselaar; Dominique Janssen, Sherida Spitse, Stefanie van der Gragt; Emsee Brugts, Jackie Groenen, Victoria Pelova, Jill Roord, Danielle Van de Donk (Damaris Egurrola 80); Lineth Beerensteyn (Katja Snoeijs 87), Lieke Martens.
Subs not used: Lize Kop, Jacintha Weimar, Renate Jansen, Lynn Wilms, Caitlin Dijkstra, Aniek Nouwen, Merel Van Dongen, Jill Baijings, Wieke Kaptein, Kerstin Casparij.
Booked: Danielle Van de Donk (76).
Sent off: None.

Portugal Women: Ines Pereira; Catarina Amado (Lucia Alves 79), Ana Borges, Carole Costa, Diana Gomes; Andreia Norton (Andreia Jacinto 79), Fatima Pinto, Tatiana Pinto, Dolores Silva (Kika Nazareth 67); Jéssica Silva, Diana Silva (Telma Encarnacao 79).
Subs not used: Rute Costa, Patricia Morais, Joana Marchão, Sílvia Rebelo, Ana Seica, Ana Rute, Carolina Mendes, Ana Capeta.
Booked: Jéssica Silva (56), Diana Gomes (82).
Sent off: None.

Referee: Kateryna Monzul.
Attendance: 11,991
extratime.com Player of the Match: Lineth Beerensteyn