Women's World Cup 2023: Portugal set up USA showdown with win over Vietnam 2-0
Portugal earned a face off with reigning champions United States for a place in the Women's World Cup last 16 with an impressive win over Vietnam.
The debutants got their maiden victory via their first World Cup goals, scored by Telma Encarnacao and Kika Nazareth.
Portugal will progress to the knockout stages if they cause a giant upset and beat four-time winners the USA.
Vietnam are eliminated from the World Cup after this loss at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand.
Portugal play the United States in their final Group E match on Tuesday at 08:00 BST, while Vietnam will seek their first World Cup point and goal against the Netherlands at the same time.
Earlier on Thursday, the USA drew 1-1 with the Netherlands in Wellington.
Portugal earn historic first win at Women's World Cup
The highest of the eight World Cup debutants in the Fifa rankings at 21, Francisco Neto's Portugal have experience at the back and exciting young talent up front - and strength in depth, demonstrated by Neto making seven starting XI changes for this match.
While Vietnam were disorganised and open in defence, Portugal were constantly incisive down the flanks and full of creative ideas.
Their first Women's World Cup goal came on seven minutes when Lucia Alves' low cross found Encarnacao who converted from six yards.
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