FIFA Women's World Cup: All you need to know about the matches on July 27
Over 30,000 fans will cram the Cake Tin - Wellington Regional Stadium - to witness a replay between the United States and the Netherlands, the two finalists at the 2019 World Cup in France.
Both sides are unbeaten in Group B after the United States beat Vietnam 3-0 while the Dutch edged Portugal 1-0 in Dunedin.
In other Thursday games, Portugal should beat Vietnam in Hamilton while Australia - still without captain Sam Kerr - will be tipped to topple Nigeria in Brisbane.
Here’s all you need to know about the matches on July 27.
United States v Netherlands
Group E; Where: Wellington Regional Stadium; When: 1pm
Coverage: Live on Sky Sport 1, Prime, ;live updates on
The United States are bidding to become the first team to win the World Cup three times in a row, but weren’t in top gear in their easy win over Vietnam. They will have to better to break down a Dutch defence led by Stefanie van Gragt, the Oranje’s match winner against Portugal. The US are No 1 in the world and the Netherlands are ninth, indicating this game will be a step-up in quality from what Wellington cognoscenti have witnessed so far.
Key players: Before tournament kickoff many critics were picking young US striker Sophia Smith for the Golden Boot top scorer award. She justified that backing with two first-half goals against Vietnam, but she has plenty of support, including veterans Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe who are bidding for a third World Cup title. The Dutch are also blessed with gifted attackers, notably Jill Rood, who scored the winner against the Football Ferns at the 2019 World Cup and Danielle van de Donk, a trophy winner in Europe with Arsenal and Lyon. After watching Lineth Beerensteyn bear down on the Portugese defence it would be a shame if injury prevented her from playing in Wellington.
TAB odds: United States $1.60, draw $3.30, Netherlands $5.50
Portugal v Vietnam
Group E; Where: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton; When: 7.30pm
Coverage: Live on Sky Sport 1; live updates on
Two first-time World Cup nations are seeking a maiden win after first round defeats. The Vietnamese did well to hold the United States to three goals while Portugal made the Netherlands sweat for a 1-0 win. Portugal, ranked 21st in the world and in regular competition with European rivals, must be favoured over 32nd-ranked Vietnamese, who, however, would have drawn confidence from a narrow 2-1 defeat to Germany in April.
Key players: Vietnam keeper Thi Kim Thanh Tran already has a World Cup memory to savour - a penalty save to deny US superstar Alex Morgan. Portugal’s young substitute Telma Encarnação made an impact off the bench against the Dutch and was unlucky not to score while senior striker Jessica Silva should enjoy more openings against the Vietnamese.
TAB odds: Portugal $1.06, draw $3.30, Vietnam $5.50
Australia v Nigeria
Group B; Where: Brisbane Stadium; When: Thursday, 10pm [NZ time]
Coverage: Live on Sky Sport 1; live updates on
Even without talismanic captain Sam Kerr for a second successive game, the Matildas should beat a combative Nigerian team which held Canada to a scoreless draw in round one. Australia needed a penalty to stand-in skipper Steph Catley to see off a doughty Republic of Ireland outfit, but Brisbane’s barrackers should roar them onto another win to put them in the box seat for the knockout rounds. Nigeria might be happy with another point and then look to beat Ireland while hoping Canada capitulate to the Matildas.
Key players: All Australian eyes are on experienced Arsenal attacker Caitlin Foord to provide the Matildas’ firepower in the enforced absence of Sam Kerr (calf) and Mary Fowler (concussion). Steph Catley has also stepped up as a leader. Agile goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadoezei was Nigeria’s standout against Canada with a string of fine saves, including one from Canadian veteran Christine Sinclair’s penalty. Captain Onome Ebi continues to be the heart and soul of the Super Falcons’ defence.
TAB odds: Australia $1.36, draw $4, Nigeria $8
