Daphne van Domselaar has become the number one keeper for the Netherlands. Photo Credit: UEFA via Twitter.
Netherlands got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start as Stefanie Van der Gragt’s header gave them a narrow victory over newcomers Portugal in Dunedin saw them join United States on three points in Group E.
The two sides previously met at Euro 2022 with the Netherlands seeing off a Portuguese fightback to secure a 3-2 win. Although this game wasn’t the goalfest seen in Leigh last summer, the Dutch again edged a crucial win.
Danielle Van de Donk, the match winner at the Euros, provided a constant threat for Andreas Jonker’s side, her presence in midfield drawing a number of fouls. Sherida Spitse’s set pieces also caused regular problems for Portugal. It was one of those situations that produced the goal. Spitse’s corner from the left hand side was headed home by Stefanie Van der Gragt. The goal was initially ruled out as Jill Roord was judged to have been offside. However, referee Kateryna Monzul gave the goal after a VAR check.
Before that, Portugal had enjoyed an encouraging start with some good buildup play. However, they were unable to convert that into a clear chance and force Dutch goalkeeper Daphne Van Domselaar into action. Their best opening came after a handball by Van de Donk in the eighth minute. However, the resulting free kick from Tatiana Pinto was headed away by Spitse. Lineth Beerensteyn had the Netherlands’ first effort but her shot was off target. The goal significantly changed the momentum of the game as the Dutch began to take control with Jill Roord having an opportunity from another corner, but she was unable to keep her header down. The closing minutes of the first half saw a raft of chances, with Lieke Martens and Esme Brugts having chances within seconds of each other. Van der Donk and Lineth Beerensteyn both attempted to play in each other but Beerensteyn shot wide from close range.
Portugal had the first opportunity of the second half as Jessica Silva was played through by Diana Silva, but her shot from a tight angle went wide. Within seconds, Ines Pereira was forced into action at the other end. The linkup between Van de Donk and Beerensteyn continued to create openings for the Netherlands with both having further opportunities before Van de Donk was replaced by Damaris Egurrola with ten minutes to go after picking up a yellow card. Portugal made a triple substitution with 12 minutes to go as they looked to force a way back into their game. One of the players to come on, Telma Encarnacao, forced Van Domselaar into action with eight minutes of normal time remaining, but in all they rarely looked like getting an equaliser.
Netherlands will feel their dominance of the game should have produced more goals, but speaking to Dutch TV after the game, Jonker was happy with the win, saying: “It’s about winning, and we succeeded.”
Current mood! ❤️🔥#NEDPOR #FIFAWWC #TheOranjeBeat pic.twitter.com/Z9xktmWQYp
— OranjeLeeuwinnen (@oranjevrouwen) July 23, 2023
On his side’s next game, a rematch of the 2019 final against the United States, Jonker said: “We are not afraid, we will play for what we are worth. We are convinced that we can win.”
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