Portugal Women and Vietnam Women will both look to get off the mark in the Women's World Cup 2023 when they face off on Thursday.

The Selecao began their campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Netherlands, while Vietnam were beaten by the defending champions USA.

Match preview

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Portugal's first-ever appearance at the Women's World Cup finals began with a loss to the 2019 runners-up the Netherlands.

Despite producing a competitive performance, Portugal were left empty-handed as Stefanie van der Gragt's first-half effort guided the Netherlands to a 1-0 win.

With the USA to come in their final group game, the Selecao know that they face an uphill task if they are to reach the knockout rounds.

Their first priority will be to claim all three points on Thursday, but one win in their last five games suggests that may be easier said than done.

They have at least proven to be a tough team to break down in recent times, conceding just two goals in their previous four matches.

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Like their opponents, Vietnam are also appearing at a Women's World Cup for the first time, and their introduction to the tournament could not have been much harder, as they kicked off the campaign against the four-time champions USA.

Vietnam could only keep the USA at bay for 14 minutes before Sophia Smith opened the scoring, but they did receive a boost when Tran Thi Kim Thanh denied Alex Morgan from the penalty spot.

However, the Vietnam goalkeeper could not prevent Smith from adding a second on the stroke of half time, before Lindsey Horan added a third in the 77th minute to condemn Vietnam to a 3-0 defeat.

Despite falling to a fourth consecutive defeat, Mai Duc Chung's side would have been pleased with the character that they showed in the opening game.

Although Portugal sit 17 places above Vietnam in the FIFA World Rankings, Thursday's contest may present them with their best chance of claiming a positive result in a difficult group.

Team News

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Carole Costa and Diana Gomes will line up in the centre of the Portugal defence, while Ana Borges and Catarina Amado are set to feature as the two full-backs.

After coming off the bench in the second half against the Netherlands, Kika Nazareth could be presented with a starting berth.

Portugal boss Francisco Neto is expected to keep faith with the forward pairing of Jessica Silva and Diana Silva.

As for Vietnam, Thu Thuong Luong Thi, Thi Dem My Le and Thu Tran Thi are set to continue in central defence, while Thu Thao Tran Thi and Loan Hoang Thi are expected to retain their places as the two wing-backs.

Van Su Ngan Thi was introduced at half time against the USA, and the 22-year-old could be included in the starting lineup for Thursday's contest.

Nhu Huynh will continue to lead the line for her country, and she will be hoping to score Vietnam's first goal at the World Cup.

Portugal Women possible starting lineup:
Pereira; Borges, C. Costa, Gomes, Amado; T. Pinto, Do. Silva, Norton; Nazareth; J. Silva, Di. Silva

Vietnam Women possible starting lineup:
Kim Thanh; Thu Thao, Thu Thuong, Diem My, Thu, Thi Loan; Bich Thuy, Hai Linh, Thi Thao, Tuyet Dung; Nhu

We say: Portugal Women 2-0 Vietnam Women

Both countries will be desperate to claim all three points, but we think that Portugal will have the extra quality required to get the better of Vietnam on Thursday.

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