Preview for the concluding round of action in Groups D and E on day 13 of 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Group E could well see a huge shock because whilst Netherlands need at least a draw against Vietnam to advancem, reigning champions – USA know that defeat to Portugal would send them crashing out and send the Portuguese through although a draw or win would be enough for the Americans.
England meanwhile need at least a draw to top Group D although a win would secure their progress as group winners, whilst maths could get complicated if the Lionesses lose to China and Denmark beat an all but mathematically eliminated Haiti as the trio would end up on six points apiece.
Group E – Portugal vs USA
Although their victory over Vietnam was clinically dominant, Portugal must build upon the positives of how they were fluid in their movement and strong intensity amidst wasted chances to win by at least five goals because this won’t be an easy encounter.
USA meanwhile are lucky to have their fate in their own hands because for all of their dominance against Vietnam and Netherlands, their shot conversion has been atrocious by their standards – with just 11 of 46 shots converted onto target of which just four goals were scored.
Portugal though are a defensively solid unit and unless USA find their scoring boots and get the first goal early, I can see Portugal proving difficult to break down and wouldn’t be surprise if a sucker-punch counter-attack goal sends the Americans packing early.
USA though came into this tournament as two-time defending champions for no reason despite being in a period of transition, so I do expect them to scrape through somehow but their sloppy end product will eventually be punished unless there is a serious improvement quickly.
Prediction: Portugal 0-2 USA
Result: Portugal 0-0 USA
Group E – Vietnam vs Netherlands
With no chance of qualifying for the knockouts, Vietnam can afford to come into this match and relax because their counter-attack against Portugal wasn’t too bad once settled into the game minus accurate end product.
Their defence however did struggle with marking Portugal’s pace and ability to deliver passes from wide areas into the box, which can’t be replicated against this Dutch team if want to finish their campaign on a high.
Netherlands though have hardly been vintage themselves despite having taken the lead in their draw against USA, but this will be their chance to show their attacking prowess after two difficult opening games so I do expect a more exciting performance from the Dutch to secure their knockout spot.
Vietnam though could prove a tricky obstacle if they can produce more solid defending, yet this does feel like an one-sided result already.
Prediction: Vietnam 0-3 Netherlands
Result: Vietnam 0-7 Netherlands
Group D – China vs England
China are frankly extremely lucky to be in a position where they can still qualify with a win or draw depending upon how Denmark fare against Haiti, especially after two largely toothless attacking displays with little quality in their end product.
England meanwhile have hardly been vintage themselves with many key players absent through injury and Keira Walsh’s absence poses another headache, although manager – Sarina Wiegman will have a plan especially given England’s attacking quality which certainly troubled Denmark.
China’s defence though can be difficult to beat as Denmark and Haiti discovered and England have only beaten the Chinese once this century, yet this England team is much stronger than any previous iteration which met China so I do expect this to be a close contest.
England’s attack though need to find their scoring boots and score first because if China get in front, I feel that the Lionesses could be in trouble if Denmark win elswhere, but I do seriously expect them avoid a shock exit based on current performance levels.
Prediction: China 0-1 England
Result: China 1-6 England
Group D – Haiti vs Denmark
Haiti should feel hard done by with two cruel 1-0 losses against England and Haiti because their attacking quality has been superb, yet their end product and small defensive errors have cost them from the penalty spot.
Denmark meanwhile were lacklustre in the opening half-hour but they seemed to click into gear once Walsh suffered her injury, yet lacked much end product or accuracy within aerial opportunities to cause trouble but I do expect them to be fired up for this encounter.
If both teams find their scoring boots then goals are a sure-fire guarantee, otherwise I can see a scrappy but entertaining contest, of which Denmark might just edge but hopefully Haiti can find at least one goal for all of their efforts.
Prediction: Haiti 1-2 Denmark
Result: Haiti 0-2 Denmark
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