Vietnam a tough opponent: Portugal players

“The match was quite difficult for Portugal,” Jacinto told Portuguese newspaper RTP after the 2-0 win over Vietnam in the group E match on Thursday.

“They played fiercely, really disciplined and never gave up. But we also maintained good possession, created many chances and scored goals.”

Vietnam entered the game with confidence and tried to put pressure on Portugal early. However, the somewhat risky approach cost the team two goals in the first 21 minutes. For the rest of the game, Vietnam were more disciplined and defensively, but could not create any significant chances.

“Vietnam put up a great fight. They are strong and agile,” Marchao said.

“They’re a tough opponent. No match in the World Cup is easy. Winning here is a great experience. We could have scored more and we need to be more efficient in finishing.”

Like Vietnam, Portugal are also in the Women’s World Cup for the first time. With three points after two matches, they need to beat defending champions the U.S. in the last match to advance. If they only draw, Portugal need the Netherlands to lose to Vietnam, which is unlikely.

While Portugal had their first victory in the World Cup, Vietnam still could not score their first goal in the tournament. But the stats improved compared to the game with the U.S.

In total, the Southeast Asian team had five shots, with one on target against Portugal. In the 0-3 defeat to the U.S. on July 22, Vietnam could not produce a single shot.

In their last match on Aug. 1, Vietnam will face the Netherlands, runners-up in the last tournament.