USWNT World Cup Group Stage: Previewing Vietnam, the Netherlands, and Portugal

July 20, 2023
By Rohtas Wadera

The USWNT’s quest for five stars begins in the land down under with all eyes on another loaded USA roster. Their first three games will set the tone for the rest of the tournament, and if the USWNT dominates, it should send a message to the rest of the field. Let’s review the three games and preview the USWNT Group Stage games in the World Cup.

USWNT vs. Vietnam: Friday, July 21 at 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT on FOX

The schedule makers helped the United States with this matchup in the first game. The higher the goal difference a team has, the more significant margin for error they have in the remaining games. For instance, after they defeated Thailand 13-0 in the first game of the last World Cup–unless they lost their last two games–they’re all but assured qualification into the next round.

Vietnam is a team making their first appearance without a recognizable star which means the USWNT could very well put up double digits in this game. A Sophia Smith hat trick is likely in the cards, along with a few others. Vietnam doesn’t stand a chance.

USWNT vs. Netherlands: Wednesday, July 26 at 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT on FOX

A World Cup Final rematch from four years ago is the USWNT’s toughest group-stage matchup. While Vivianne Miedema is out, the Netherlands still features a few key players to watch.

Danielle van de Donk and Lieke Martens are playmakers who can instantly change the game and are undoubtedly looking for revenge. If the United States doesn’t take their chances in this game, Holland can punish them and win because of their technique. However, when the USWNT is at its best, they’re tough for anyone to beat, as seen from the World Cup Final four years ago, and this Netherlands team isn’t getting any younger, either. The USWNT should get another win here, automatically putting them in the Round of 16.

USWNT vs. Portugal: Tuesday, August 1 at 3:00 AM ES/12:00 AM PT on FOX

Assuming the USWNT win their first two games, there’s a strong chance that critical starters will be rested for this match against Portugal. The last time these two teams played in a friendly back in 2021, Portugal came out in a defensive 4-2-3-1 formation, and it worked for most of the match, holding the USWNT to only a 1-0 win. Expect a physical game which is why it might be wise for the USWNT to rest their players.

However, if that doesn’t happen and the starters want to get more minutes under their belt or lose to the Netherlands in the previous game, we will see the best lineup possible in the third game. In that case, the USWNT shouldn’t lose this game unless Ana Borges, formerly of Chelsea, creates some magic for Portugal.

The USWNT will see where they’re at in the most competitive competition. Based on these matches, they’ll know what adjustments to make heading into the knockout stage, if any. Expect three wins in three games or at least two out of three. Anything less would be surprising for a team of the USWNT’s caliber.

Featured image via Daniel Gray