Netherlands vs Portugal
Women’s World Cup
Group E
Sunday
23rd July 2023
Dunedin Stadium
Preview, analysis and predictions for the Group E Women’s World Cup fixture between Netherlands and Portugal.
Netherlands form analysis
The Netherlands’ form in the last two years has shown a mix of performances, with varying results in different competitions and friendly matches. In the UEFA Euro 2022, they had a successful group stage, securing victories over Portugal (3-2) and Switzerland (4-1). However, they were eliminated in the quarter-finals with a 1-0 defeat against France after extra time.
In friendly matches, the Netherlands showcased their competitiveness. They secured a 2-1 victory over Scotland and a 1-0 win against Iceland in World Cup 2023 qualifying matches. However, they suffered a 2-0 defeat against Norway, indicating some difficulties against stronger European opponents.
In friendly matches against Zambia and Costa Rica, the Netherlands displayed their strength with a 4-0 victory over Costa Rica and a 6-0 win against Zambia, showcasing their offensive prowess against teams of a lower ranking.
In other friendly matches, the Netherlands had mixed results. They experienced a 1-2 defeat against Austria but responded strongly with a 4-0 victory in the reverse fixture. The Dutch suffered a 1-0 defeat against Germany but rebounded with a convincing 4-1 win over Poland. They concluded with a dominant 5-0 victory against Belgium.
Portugal form analysis
In the UEFA Euro 2022 group stage, they experienced a narrow 3-2 defeat against the Netherlands but faced a tough challenge in a 5-0 loss to Sweden, indicating difficulties against stronger European opponents.
During the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification matches, Portugal demonstrated their competitiveness and ability to perform well. They secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Serbia and displayed their dominance with a convincing 4-0 win against Turkey, showcasing their potential in the qualification stage.
In the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification play-offs, Portugal continued their strong form. They emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Belgium, and in a thrilling encounter against Iceland, they triumphed 4-1 after extra time, demonstrating their resilience and ability to handle pressure situations.
Friendly matches provided mixed results for Portugal. They displayed their dominance in a commanding 5-0 victory over Haiti and a hard-fought 1-0 win against Costa Rica. However, they faced challenges in defeats against Japan (2-1) and Norway (2-1), and settled for a draw against Wales (1-1).
It is worth noting that Portugal showcased their quality with a comprehensive 5-0 triumph over New Zealand and a significant 2-1 victory against Cameroon in FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification matches.
Netherlands vs Portugal: Predictions
The Netherlands are the favorites to win this contest. However, Portugal are capable of giving a tough challenge. Both teams have consistently managed to get on the score sheet. And clean sheets have seldom come in their recent fixtures so both teams should manage to score.
Netherlands vs Portugal: Odds
Asian handicap: +1.25 Portugal @ 1.83 odds.
Both teams to score @ 1.85 odds.
Interested in exploring more Women’s World Cup predictions? Click here to find out.
