Portugal W vs Vietnam W prediction: WORLD: World Cup Women betting tips on match 2023-07-26 07:30.
Having qualified through the play-offs for their first Women's World Cup (WWC), Portugal couldn't mark their tournament debut with a victory as they went down 1-0 to Netherlands in their Group E match on Sunday. Several players couldn't contain their tears as the national anthem was played, with forward Jessica Silva agreeing that they were "a little anxious". There won't be any excuses when they come up against fellow debutants Vietnam in their second match though, with both sides seeking a positive result to aid their bid to prolong their WWC stay.
Coach Francisco Neto is keen to get to the last game against the USA “depending only on us”, but that would require a win here. Their recent five-game form (W1, D2, L2) suggests that’s certainly not a given, but having conceded only two goals in the last four matches, a steely backline should give their progression hopes a lift.
Vietnam’s baptism of fire ended in a 3-0 defeat to four-time champions USA, which is perhaps commendable given they were outshot 27-0. Coach Mai Đức Chung concurred as much when he claimed that his side “might be outmatched in skills, but not in determination and spirit.” In spite of their endeavour, defeat against the USA made it five straight losses, with the last three seeing them concede 14 goals without reply!
Rewinding the clock could instil a bit of confidence though, as the Vietnamese had won eight of their nine matches (L1) preceding this five-game losing run. Each of those victories saw them scoring the match opener on or before the 20th minute and another quick start could be key to securing a positive result against Portugal.
Key battle: 20-year-old Francisca Nazareth is the youngest player to be capped by Portugal and she had a stellar season for Benfica, clocking 24 goals and 15 assists in 32 matches. She will be looking to breach Trần Thị Kim Thanh, who saved a penalty against the USA and helped keep the scoreline somewhat respectable.
Hot streak: Vietnam haven’t been involved in a draw across 29 matches (W18, L11).