Portugal knocks Vietnam out of Women’s World Cup with 2-0 victory in group stage

HAMILTON  (NEW ZEALAND)—  Telma Encarnacao scored one goal and assisted on another as Portugal defeated Vietnam 2-0 on Thursday in the Women’s World Cup, a win that ensured Vietnam will not advance to the knockout stage.

Portugal jumped ahead in the seventh minute following a quick series of decisive passes through the Vietnamese defense. Lucia Alves dropped in a perfect cross to Encarnacao at the top of the six-yard box for a simple finish.

Portugal still has a shot to advance out of the group stage but will need to win or draw against the United States, with a Netherlands loss next Tuesday against Vietnam.

In the 21st minute, Portugal turned a goal kick from Vietnam into a chance, taking possession and moving downfield. Encarnacao slipped the ball to Kika Nazareth as she raced through defenders, and the 20-year-old forward slotted the second goal of the night to the left of goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh.

Portugal coach Francisco Neto held out seven starters from the team’s 1-0 loss to the Netherlands, including 31-year-old captain Dolores Silva and goalkeeper Ines Pereira. Both Encarnacao and Nazareth came off the bench in the loss to the Dutch; both started in the win over Vietnam.

About 6,650 fans turned out to Waikato Stadium, which has a capacity of 18,009. The crowd was mostly Vietnamese fans, but it was the Portuguese contingent that made all the noise.

Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy was the lone bright spot for Vietnam. The right winger looked threatening the few times the Golden Star Women Warriors found themselves on the attack but couldn’t produce a goal.

Nigeria stun co-host Australia

Nigeria stunned co-host Australia with a historic 3-2 victory in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Group B, here on Thursday.

Having frustrated Olympic champion Canada in a goalless draw on debut, Nigeria ran Australia ragged after conceding the opening goal to record their first World Cup victory.

After a slow start, the Matildas slowly took control and were rewarded just before half-time when Caitlin Foord produced the perfect ball behind Nigeria’s defence to find van Egmond, who made no mistake.

Australia’s joy was short-lived when Rasheedat Ajibade’s cross inside the box landed at the feet of Uchenna Kanu, who scored an opportunistic equaliser in Nigeria’s first World Cup goal.

Osinachi Ohale put Nigeria in lead in the 65th minute and the Africans seemingly iced the game when Asisat Oshoala scored from a tight angle in the 72nd minute, but Alanna Kennedy’s header in the dying minutes gave the Matildas hope.

Nigeria, however, held on in a frantic finish to trigger scenes of jubilation.

They again mustered gritty defence, but also produced scintillating counterattacks to expose an Australia side seemingly buckling under the weight of expectation in front of almost 50,000 fans, Xinhua reported.

The shock result means Nigeria is locked on four points with Canada in Pool B. Australia is on three points and faces a must win match against Canada on July 31 in Melbourne.

“We had so many chances, but it was one of those nights we couldn’t get the ball in the back of the net,” Australia midfielder Emily van Egmond said.

“The last five to ten minutes showed our never-say-die attitude, and we’ll take that into the next game which is a must-win.”

Even though Australia remains without injured talismanic captain Sam Kerr, they enter as firm favourites to secure the win needed for group survival.