🏆 Netherlands kickstart WWC tilt with win over Portugal | OneFootball

The Netherlands sent out a World Cup warning with an understatedly impressive showing in their opener against Portugal.

Scorers: Van der Gragt 13′

The Oranje Leeuwinnen hit the front with just 13 minutes on the clock through Stefanie van der Gragt’s header which was permitted to stand following a VAR check.

It could be one of her final goals for her country having announced her intention to retire after the tournament and also sees her become just the second Dutch player to score in two editions of the tournament after Lieke Martens.

The Netherlands remained in control for the remainder of the half, which they ended with their lead intact and without having given up a shot on their goal.

After the interval, Portugal did improve and were helped by the introduction of pre-match fitness doubt Kika Nazareth but couldn’t break down a resolute Dutch defence who saw things out for the victory.

The winners face the USA next in a repeat of the last World Cup final, while Portugal take on Vietnam.