The Netherlands got off to a winning start at the Women’s FIFA World Cup 2023 with a calm 1-0 victory over Portugal, who made their debut in the World Cup circuit this year. A goal from Stefanie Van der Gragt in the first half turned out to be the solitary goal of the match that sealed the victory for the Dutch side at the Dunedin Stadium on Sunday.
The Netherlands seemingly got the early lead in the first half when Van der Gragt rose above the defense at the far post to head in a cross from the corner kick into the nets in the 13th minute. However, the flag went up for offside as the lineswoman signaled that Jill Roord was obstructing the Argentine goalkeeper. The Dutch side erupted in protest, demanding a VAR to review the goal.
The on-field referee reviewed the goal through the VAR and eventually concluded that the goal was legit, thus awarding the goal to the Netherlands. It was all luck going in favor of the Dutch as a VAR review prompted the referee to award the goal to Van der Gragt, allowing the Netherlands to take the early lead. The match continued to go back and forth thereon, but the Dutch managed to maintain the lead throughout the match, ultimately sealing a 1-0 victory to kick off their world cup campaign on a winning note.
The last major encounter between these two teams was a year ago during the European Championship group stage where the Dutch edged ahead of Portugal with a 3-2 victory. Though the Neds, clad in orange, struggled to score effortlessly in this team in their trademark orange and did not have a shot on target until the 82nd minute.
With this win, The Netherlands is now level with group leaders United States with three points in the Group E standings. However, they sit in the second spot based on goal difference. The Dutch will next be locking horns with the defending champions United States on Thursday in an iconic clash.
