Comparing all indicators, the Portuguese team are superior to Vietnam in their second Group E match later today. In the opening match, Portugal played quite impressively and only lost 0-1 to the defending runner-up Netherlands. In a previous friendly, they won 5-0 over New Zealand, while Vietnam lost to this year’s World Cup co-hosts 0-2.
According to experts, Portugal, winning their play-off ticket to the 2023 World Cup, have all the factors to be favoured to win over the Vietnamese team today. Not only that, but the Portuguese coach also understands quite well about the Vietnamese players.
Recently, coach Daniel Pacheco, who is leading Lank FC (Portugal) that Vietnam’s star striker Huynh Nhu is playing for, has specifically warned the Portuguese women's team that they need to keep focus on the gameplay and ideas, and not let Vietnam play in their style. He also warned that the key point is not to be subjective and maintain maximum concentration against Vietnam.
To deal with Portugal, the Vietnamese female players had to prepare for the high-ball game because of their opponents’ superior height and physical strength.
The previous match against the USA team - the defending champions - has helped coach Mai Duc Chung's side gain more experience. The good news is that the Vietnamese players are not under great psychological pressure, even the whole team’s spirit is quite high.
Captain Huynh Nhu said: "I had a season in Portugal. I also had the opportunity to compete with their current players. They are very strong and have good technique. In the next match against Portugal, the whole Vietnamese team will have to focus and try their best. Not only me but also my teammates want to score. At this time, scoring a goal is extremely valuable for the team."
After the historic victory of the Philippines team, the Vietnamese players all understood that one of the decisive factors is the determination and hard work of the players. All express their hope that the Vietnamese team will try their best to get the best results.
The match between Vietnam and Portugal will take place at 14:30 this afternoon (Vietnam time) at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton City, New Zealand.
Head-to-head matches and recent forms:
The Vietnamese women's team have never faced Portugal in the past. The European representative (21st) is considered stronger as they stand 11 places higher than the Vietnamese women's team (32nd) on the FIFA rankings.
The Vietnamese women's team have a recent record of 5 consecutive defeats including friendlies, scoring only 2 goals and conceding 18 goals against world-class opponents. However, the performance shows signs of improvement in the match against the US women's team a few days ago.
The Portuguese women's team had good momentum ahead of the World Cup with 1 win, 2 draws and 1 loss. However, coach Francisco Neto's side was empty-handed in the opening match, making the chances of progressing at the 2023 FIFA World Cup slim.
Predicted XI:
Vietnam’s key defender Chuong Thi Kieu will most likely start after being "warmed up" in the match against the US. The return of the experienced centre-back will strengthen the defence. In addition, winger Thanh Nha has also returned to help improve the speed and quality of the Vietnamese team’s counter-attacks.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese women's team will not have the service of central midfielder Famita Pinto due to injury. This is a quality player who has an impact on the team's play.
Vietnam (3-5-2): Kim Thanh; Tran Thi Thu - Chuong Thi Kieu - Diem My; Hoang Thi Loan - Bich Thuy - Duong Thi Van - Thu Thao - Thanh Nha; Huynh Nhu - Hai Yen.
Portugal (3-4-3): Teixeira; Gomes - Costa - Borges; Amado - Jacinto - Dolores - Pinto; Encarnacao - Norton - Silva.
