Netherlands vs Portugal result: Women's World Cup score & highlights as Dutch record narrow win

Patrick Brischetto

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Netherlands vs Portugal result: Women's World Cup score & highlights as Dutch record narrow win image

Netherlands recorded a narrow 1-0 win over World Cup debutants Portugal on a chilly night in Dunedin.

In a hard fought clash devoid of a large amount of clear cut chances, an early goal to Stephanie van der Gragt from a corner was enough for the Dutch to record an important victory in their opening World Cup encounter.

Portugal were fired up ahead of their first ever World Cup match, with several players crying during the anthems, but they struggled to get a foothold in the match against their experienced opponents.

And the Dutch took the lead after 13 minutes when van der Gragt rose highest to head home a corner; the goal was initially ruled out due to offside, but the referee overturned the decision after a VAR review as she decided Jill Roord was not interfering with the play.

Netherlands remained in control as Portugal didn't have a shot on goal or touch in the opposition box during the first half.

Ines Pereira made a strong save from a Danielle van de Donk shot just after halftime to prevent the Dutch from doubling the lead, but despite lots of running and intent, Portugal were unable to break down a staunch Oranje rearguard.

The debutants had a couple of half chances as the gamne reached its climax, but the Dutch were never truly threatened, and were eventually able to comfortably see out the match.

MORE: Group E results, standings, fixtures

Netherlands attack blunt without Miedema

Much was made pre-game with how the Dutch would try and fill the void left by the injured Vivianne Miedema, with the striker being Netherlands' most important player.

Coach Andreis Jonker opted for two up top, with Lineth Beerensteyn leading the line and Lieke Martens playing in a slightly deeper role, whilst Danielle van de Donk pulled the strings in midfield.

Despite their early goal, the Dutch failed to create a large amount of clear cut chances on the Portugal goal, and there was a sense they are still struggling to adapt without their star striker.

The way they scored their goal may offer a solution though; with the likes of van der Gragt in the side, they can be a huge threat from set pieces.

Losses continue for debutants

There are a record eight teams debuting at this World Cup thanks to the extended format with 32 teams, however, none have thus far enjoyed success at the tournament.

Five of the debutants had lost their opening games before this match, and despite Portugal proving a hard-working and resilient side that were highly competitive against their experienced opponents, they rarely threatened to make an impact on the scoresheet.

With Portugal now requiring a result in their last match against the USA to qualify for the knockout rounds, it seems the fairytale story of this debutant side making it out of the group is a far fetched dream.

Whilst it is brilliant seeing so many new nations from all corners of the globe get opportunities at the World Cup, there is a gulf in class needing to be bridged in time.

World Cup final rematch finely poised

It may not have been a vintage performance for the Dutch, but it was enough to get them three points in a dangerous fixture, meaning they head into their clash with the USA level on points.

The game will be one of the most keenly anticipated of the group stages as the two finalists from the 2019 World Cup meet again on the world's biggest stage, with the Netherlands having a point to prove after their heartbreaking 2-0 defeat in the final four years ago.

It will be a match keenly watched by the rest of the tournament, as it will have a massive bearing on who wins the group and the makeup of the knockout rounds.

Netherlands will be desperate for a famous victory over the pre-tournament favourites and to send a message to the rest of the world the run to the final in 2019 was no fluke.

Netherlands vs Portugal result

  Final Goalscorers
Netherlands 1 van der Gragt 13'
Portugal 0  

Starting lineups:

  • Netherlands starting lineup (3-5-2): van Domselaar (GK) — Spitse, van der Gragt, Janssen — Pelova, Roord, van de Donk (Egurrola 80'), Groenen, Brugts — Beerensteyn (Snoeijs 87'), Martens
  • Portugal starting lineup (4-4-2): Pereira (GK) — Borges, Gomes, Costa, Amado (Alves 78')—  T. Pinto, Dolores Silva (Nazareth 67'), F. Pinto, Norton (Encarnacao 78') — J. Silva, Diana Silva (Jacinti 78')

MORE: World Cup games today

Netherlands vs Portugal live updates, highlights from 2023 World Cup

FULL TIME: Netherlands have won their opening game at the World Cup thanks to Stephanie van der Gragts early goal. It was a hard fought victory, but Portugal struggled to create meaningful opportunities, and will now face an uphill battle to qualify from the group.

90+4th minute: Another change for the Dutch, Pelova is replaced by Casperlaj

90th minute: The fourth official has indicated there will be a minimum of six minutes of added time.

89th minute: Jessica Silva puts a dangerous ball into the box, but Encarnacao can't get a touch to the ball, and it is cut out by van Domselaar.

87th minute: Beerensteyn has picked up a knock in the challenge and will be replaced by Katja Snoeijs.

83rd minute: Portugal centre back Gomes goes into the book for a strong foul on Beerensteyn

82nd minute: The substitute Encarnacao almost makes an instant impact, cutting inside and getting a shot on target, but van Domselaar is able to parry it away.

80th minute: The Dutch also go to the bench, with van de Donk making way for Damaris Egurrola.

78th minute: Portugal make a triple change, with Diana Silva, Catarina Amado and Andreia Norton are replaced by Andreia Jacinti, Lucia Alves and Telma Encarnacao.

78th minute: Van de Donk goes into the book for a cynical foul denying a Portugal counter attack.

75th minute: Ana Borges tries to catch van Domselaar with a dangerous cross, but it lacks accuracy and sails harmlessly onto the roof of the net.

67th minute: The first change of the night has come from Portugal, with captain Dolores Silva making way for Kika Nazareth.

60th minute: Beerensteyn gets on the end of a long ball and manages to turn Amado before curling a shot on goal, but the shot is too central and is saved by Pereira.

59th minute: Portugal enjoying a good spell of possession in the Dutch half, can they create a meaningful opportunity on goal?

56th minute: First yellow card of the night, Jessica Silva is cautioned for a cynical foul

52nd minute: Big save from Pereira! van de Donk gets away from her defenders and unleashes a strong shot, but the Portuguese shot stopper is alert and gets a strong hand to the ball to keep it away from goal.

51st minute: Portugal finally have a shot on goal through Jessica Silva, but it lacks accuracy and it wide of the goal

47th minute: She is back on her feet and the action resumes.

46th minute: A strong challenge from van der Gragt on Diana Silva leaves the Portuguese striker prone on the turf, she is currently receiving treatment.

46th minute: The second half begins, can Portugal find a way back into this match?

HALF TIME: Looks like van de Gragt enjoyed that one!

HALF TIME: Netherlands hold a 1-0 lead at halftime, with the Dutch having more of the ball and more of the chances in the first half. Portugal have had a few free kicks in dangerous positions, but have failed to properly test the Dutch defence.

45th minute: The referee has indicated a minimum of three minutes added time at the end of the half, which is surprisingly one of the smaller numbers of the tournament so far...

45th minute: Martens is tackled in the box, but the loose ball falls to Beerensteyn, who is only able to drag the shot wide at the near post.

39th minute: Beerensteyn hooks a cross into the box, which an advancing van de Donk meets with her head, but it is straight at the keeper.

37th minute: Martens weaves her way past a couple of challenges and let's fly from distance, but the shot lacks conviction and is straight at Periera. Soon after Brugts tries her luck from long range, but the shot is well over the bar.

30th minute: It's been a difficult first half hour of World Cup football for Portugal, recording no shots on target; the Netherlands are beginning to take control of this match.

25th minute: The Dutch almost double their lead! Another corner, and this time Roord gets on the end of it with her head, but the powerful header is just over the bar. Portugal looking vulnerable from set pieces so far.

15th minute: VAR OVERTURNS THE DECISION, GOAL TO THE NETHERLANDS! The referee goes to the monitor, and decides Roord was not interfering with the play, meaning the goal has been given and the Dutch take the lead!

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13th minute: From the resulting corner, Stephanie van der Gragt head's the ball home, but the lineswoman puts her flag up as Jill Roord is in an offside position. VAR is looking at it...

12th minute: The Dutch front pairing break through the Portugal defence, with Beerensteyn's shot being crucially blocked by Costa.

10th minute: A tight opening period to this game as both teams look to figure each other out. No major chances for either side yet.

6th minute: Beerensteyn gets on the end of a Roord cross, but the striker is offside.

KICK OFF: The action begins in Dunedin, can Portugal cause a massive upset in their first ever World Cup match?

5 mins to KO: The teams are out on the pitch, kick off is not far away!

8 mins to KO: The opening match of Group E was played yesterday, with the United States claiming a 3-0 win over Vietnam. The Netherlands will be hoping to match the scoreline before their crucial clash next match.

30 mins to KO: The early match of the day has finished, with Sweden scoring a 90th minute winner to break the hearts of a spirited South Africa side in Group G.

35 mins to KO: Portugal are in the building and getting ready for their most historic clash ever!

55 mins to KO: The line ups are in! Lineth Beerensteyn and Lieke Martens start up top looking to fill the Vivianne Miedema space in the team for the Netherlands, as they also opt for a back three. Portugal are playing in a solid 4-4-2 shape, with Diana Silva and Jessica Silva leading the line, with Dolores Silva captaining her country at their first ever World Cup match.

  • Netherlands starting lineup (3-5-2): van Domselaar (GK) — Spitse, van der Gragt, Janssen — Pelova, Roord, van de Donk, Groenen, Brugts — Beerensteyn, Martens.
  • Portugal starting side (4-2-2): Pereira (GK) — Borges, Gomes, Costa, Amado —  T. Pinto, Dolores Silva, F. Pinto, Norton — J. Silva, Diana Silva

2hrs to KO: Hello and welcome to The Sporting News live coverage of this exciting Group E match between the Netherlands and Portugal. The Dutch will be looking to get off to a strong start knowing they face the USA in their next match, whilst Portugal are playing in their first ever World Cup match and would like nothing more than to cause the first major upset of the tournament!

Netherlands vs Portugal lineups, team news

The Dutch have a big task on their hands in replacing the strike power of Vivianne Miedema, with the likes of Lineth Beerensteyn and Lieke Martins lacking the final product and efficiency of the Arsenal striker.

Lyon's Danielle van de Donk will be the creative lynchpin of the team at the attacking midfield spot.

Netherlands starting lineup (3-5-2): van Domselaar (GK) — Spitse, van der Gragt, Janssen — Pelova, Roord, van de Donk, Groenen, Brugts — Beerensteyn, Martens.

Portugal will be led by inspirational captain Dolores Silva at the base of midfield, with Diana Silva and Jessica Silva providing the thrust in attack.

Portugal starting side (4-2-2): Pereira (GK) — Borges, Gomes, Costa, Amado —  T. Pinto, Dolores Silva, F. Pinto, Norton — J. Silva, Diana Silva

What time is Netherlands vs Portugal?

The Netherlands vs Portugal match at the Women's World Cup will be played on July 23 at 7:30 p.m. local time at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.

Date: Sunday, July 23

Time: 7:30 p.m. NZT (3:30 a.m. ET)

Here is the kick off times in regions around the world:

Timezone Time
Australia (AEST) 5:30 p.m.
New Zealand (NZT) 7:30 p.m.
USA (ET) 3:30 a.m.
UK (BST) 8:30 a.m.
Singapore (SGT) 3:30 p.m.
Malaysia (MYT) 3:30 p.m.
Hong Kong (HKT) 3:30 p.m.
India (IST) 1:00 p.m.

Netherlands vs Portugal live stream, TV channel

Listed below are the broadcasting details for the Netherlands vs. Portugal match, including both TV and live stream options:

Country Television Streaming
Australia Optus Sport Optus Sport website/app
New Zealand Sky Sports 1 Sky Sport NOW
USA FS1, Telemundo Fubo, Peacock, Telemundo Deportes site/app, Fox Sports site/app
Canada TSN, RDS (French) TSN+, RDS.ca (French)
UK BBC One BBC iPlayer
Singapore Singtel Singtel TV GO, MeWatch
Hong Kong NOW Sports Prime NOW Sports Prime
Malaysia — FIFA Plus
India DD Sports Fancode

Patrick Brischetto

Patrick Brischetto Photo

Patrick is a journalist currently based in Sydney who covered the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 Women's World Cup for The Sporting News. He also holds a position at the Western Sydney Wanderers FC, and is slowly attempting to convince the world that the A-League is the greatest sporting competition.