Portugal can still win Group E while Vietnam won’t be advancing to the knockout rounds.
Portugal beat Vietnam 2-0 early Thursday morning thanks to two goals in the first 21 minutes of the game. It’s the country’s first Women’s World Cup win and came after coach Francisco Neto changed seven of his 11 starters from an opening 1-0 loss to the Netherlands.
Telma Encarnacao scored in the seventh minute and then provided the assist to Kika Nazareth’s goal in the 21st minute.
Vietnam was again overmatched in this game but did manage to get five shots and a shot on goal after it was shut out in both categories against the United States. It now has only pride to play for against the Dutch and the U.S. and the fans will hope that’s plenty of motivation.
After tying with the Netherlands on Wednesday night, the USWNT is tied atop the group with the Dutch at four points each. The United States officially sits first thanks to a 3-0 win over Vietnam and the Netherlands’ 1-0 win over Portugal. The U.S. will advance to the knockout rounds with either a win or a tie against the Portuguese.
However, the U.S. needs Vietnam to keep the Netherlands close if it doesn’t get a shock win. The main tiebreaker is goal difference; if the Netherlands blows out Vietnam, it can jump into first even if the USWNT beats Portugal 1-0.
Portugal, meanwhile, can advance to the knockout rounds with a win over the U.S. or a tie against the USWNT and a Vietnam win.
Nigeria 3, Australia 2
Nigeria scored three consecutive goals against a short-handed Australia side to put the co-hosts in danger of being eliminated from the Women’s World Cup.
Osinachi Ohale gave Nigeria a 2-1 lead in the 65th minute off a corner kick and then substitute Asisat Oshoala added a third goal seven minutes later in a 3-2 victory. Oshoala’s goal was sublime as she scored a first-touch goal from an exceptionally tight angle.
Ohale headed her goal into an open net and got kicked in the chest for her troubles.
Australia took the lead in the first minute of added time in the first half thanks to a goal by Emily van Egmond. But Uchenna Kanu tied the game just before halftime.
Australia entered the contest without star Sam Kerr as she continues to be sidelined with a calf injury and both Mary Fowler and Aivi Luik after they suffered concussions in separate practice instances ahead of the game. The Australians had numerous chances in the second half to get back into the game and got what could end up being a crucial goal in added time.
The win means Nigeria is tied with Canada atop Group B with four points. Australia currently sits in third with three points and an even goal differential. The Aussies must beat Canada on Monday to ensure advancement.
