Coming off a 3-0 win over Vietnam to open the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and a spirited 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in the second game of group play, the U.S. Women’s National Team will close out Group E on August 1, taking on Portugal at Eden Park in Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau (7 p.m. NZT/3 am. ET) on FOX, Telemundo and Peacock).
While the teams have met ten times previously, the all-important group stage finale will be the first matchup ever between the USA and Portugal at the Women’s World Cup as Portugal is one of eight nations making its World Cup debut at this year’s tournament.
Get set for the USA’s final match of Group E with Five Things To Know about Portugal.
LAST TIME OUT
Portugal picked up its first ever win and first ever shutout at the FIFA Women’s World Cup on Thursday evening, beating Vietnam 2-0 in Hamilton/Kirikiriroa.
After falling to the Netherlands 1-0 to open the tournament, the Portuguese put together an impressive performance from the opening whistle against Vietnam and scored just seven minutes into the match when Telma Encarnacao made history by scoring Portugal’s first Women’s World Cup goal. The 21-year-old forward one-timed a half-volley into the back of the net from seven yards out to give the Portuguese a 1-0 lead. Portugal doubled its advantaged in the 21st minute as 20-year-old midfielder Kika Nazareth buried her right-footed attempt hard and low into the bottom left corner.
Portugal outshot Vietnam 28-6 on the day, including a 9-1 advantage in shots on goal. The victory made the Portuguese the second newcomer to record a victory at the 2023 World Cup, following in the footsteps of the Philippines, who downed co-hosts New Zealand 1-0 in their second group stage game.
STAGE IS SET
With three points secured against Vietnam, Portugal still remain in contention for a spot in the knockout rounds heading into the third and final day of group stage play.