Although the two teams have played each other since the 2019 World Cup final, a rematch between the United States and the Netherlands in the group stage of this World Cup will have all eyes watching. The United States are looking to maintain their title but the Netherlands, and debutantes Portugal and Vietnam look to stand in their way.
United States
They’re the team going for a historic three-peat, beleaguered by injuries, and haven’t quite been in form for most of the past two years. There are plenty of questions facing the USWNT team leading into the World Cup, especially with defensive mainstay Becky Sauerbrunn and clutch goal scorer Mallory Swanson missing due to injury. Thin in the back with only two center backs, the good news is Naomi Girma has looked unflappable with San Diego this season. The midfield has its own questions, specifically the status of Rose Lavelle, but offers plenty of connecting, attacking options. Julie Ertz’s return has not gone quite as smoothly as everyone had hoped, but her ability to influence play with Angel City is promising for the US. The forwards are certainly the scariest part of the roster. Sophia Smith is an absolute heater in the NWSL and has proven she can score from in and around the box. The speed of Lynn Williams, Trinity Rodman, and Alyssa Thompson means that any ball over the top is a threat. Williams in particular has also shown a tremendous dedication to defending. The US can’t be all-attack all the time…but if the forwards are firing on all cylinders then look out.
Player to Watch:
Savannah DeMelo
The USWNT is full of household names and most fans will already have their own personal player to watch. However, if you want to gauge how the tournament is going for the USA, look no further than Savannah DeMelo. The surprise on the roster, DeMelo will likely be a sub so watch where and how she’s deployed to gain insight into the USA’s game plan. Creative, a threat in the attack, and a mystery when it comes to national team chemistry, DeMelo’s the player to watch to judge how USWNT risks are paying off.
Netherlands
Runners up in 2019, the Netherlands will be looking to do one better this time and silence the chatter from their Euros 2022 quarter-final exit. After the rocky tenure of Mark Parson, the Netherlands have fared better under Andries Jonker but this will be his first major tournament since taking over. The Netherlands will also be without striker Vivanne Miedema, although there’s still plenty of offensive firepower in the likes of Lieke Martens. The Netherlands will look to press opposing teams using a flexible approach to the formation deployed as well as embracing some slight mystery as to where players will line up. Likely play will revolve around veteran Jill Roord, whose control of the midfield will allow the forwards the chance to get forward. Roord is also a threat on goal, forcing defenses to have to commit to stepping to her. Flexibility and fluidity are the name of the Netherlands game.
Player to Watch:
Esmee Brugts
Versatile, Brugts has the ability to play as a forward, a winger, or more defensive. Head coach Andries Jonker spent seven years coaching Dutch academy sides- experience that will benefit Brugts in her first World Cup. Dangerous wherever she deploys, Brugts can sub on to lend a spark to the Netherlands offense or could start to give the side a different look. She’s proven her ability to step up in big moments with her goal against Iceland during qualifying.
Portugal
Newcomers to the World Cup, Portugal has the daunting task of facing the US and the Netherlands and certainly can’t dismiss Vietnam as an easy opponent. The good news is, that since it took 13 matches in all to qualify for their first-ever World Cup, Portugal is no stranger to long and daunting tasks facing them. Recent results haven’t favored the Portugues, with a 2-1 loss to Japan and a 1-1 draw with Wales coming in the April international window. If anything, those results will push Portugal to make a statement in their group-stage matches. The team also has stayed remarkably consistent with the goal being to develop chemistry in the build-up to this World Cup. Disciplined, Portugal seemingly has a talent for baiting other teams into reckless tackles that result in red cards. Three of their last six matches, including the draw with Wales, saw Portugal’s opponents go down to ten players. When Portugal is on, their forwards can easily tally four goals, so expect some fireworks if given an inch.
Player to Watch:
Carole Costa
In order to pick up their first major tournament win, Portugal’s offense needs to be capable of matching the firepower of the rest of the group. Although Carole Costa is a defender, she has 18 goals and scored the all-important penalty kick that led to Portugal’s win over Cameroon to qualify for the World Cup. Mentality will be everything for Portugal and how Costa holds down the backline while managing to free up the offense will be a key insight into how Portugal’s World Cup will go.
Vietnam
World Cup debutants, Vietnam recently made the world take notice in their 2-1 loss to Germany. Not a soccer superpower by any traditional measure, Vietnam has the advantage of being discounted and perhaps under-scouted by the competition. Vietnam has recently won the Southeast Asians Games and gave Germany a harder time than many expected in the June 24th match. Organized, underdogs, and incredibly cohesive, Vietnam benefits from having already played eight matches this year, losing to fellow World Cup debutants the Philippines and Germany. Additionally, many players likely heading to the World Cup play domestically in Vietnam, creating familiarity and stronger national team chemistry than other sides. Starting off against the United States will present a challenge for Vietnam, but the flip side is that a strong performance can lend the team confidence. Vietnam has clearly prepared for their world cup opponents and have several attacking threats hoping the opposition will discount them.
Player to Watch:
Nguyễn Thi Thanh Nhã
At 21 years old, Nguyễn Thi Thanh Nhã represents the future of Vietnamese soccer. A winger who can also play up top, the 21-year-old’s best asset is her speed, put on display in her goal against Germany. Having won gold twice in the Southeast Asian Games, she has experience winning tournaments and can help to continue that mentality no matter the group stage matchup results. As Vietnam looks to build towards future World Cup appearances, Nguyễn Thi Thanh Nhã will play an important part in the team achieving success.
GROUP SCHEDULE
Fri, Jul 21
United States vs Vietnam
⏰ 9:00 PM
🏟 Eden Park
📍 Auckland, NZ
📺 FOX
Sun, Jul 23
Netherlands vs Portugal
⏰ 3:30 AM
🏟 Forsyth Barr Stadium
📍 Dunedin, NZ
📺 FS1
Wed, Jul 26
United States vs Netherlands
⏰ 9:00 PM
🏟 Wellington Regional Stadium
📍 Wellington, NZ
📺 FOX
Thu, Jul 27
Portugal vs Vietnam
⏰ 3:30 AM
🏟 Waikato Stadium
📍 Hamilton, NZ
📺 FS1
Tue, Aug 01
Vietnam vs Netherlands
⏰ 3:00 AM
🏟 Forsyth Barr Stadium
📍 Dunedin, NZ
📺 FS1
Tue, Aug 01
Portugal vs United States
⏰ 3:00 AM
🏟 Eden Park
📍 Auckland, NZ
📺 FOX
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