Telma Encarnacao scored a quick goal and set up another as Portugal defeated Vietnam 2-0 in a Group E clash for its first-ever win in Women’s World Cup competition on Thursday in Hamilton, New Zealand.
Encarnacao finished a cross from Lucia Alves in the seventh minute and then assisted on Kika Nazareth’s strike in the 21st minute. Portugal outshot Vietnam 29-5 (9-1 on goal), with Vietnamese keeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh registering seven saves.
Vietnam’s only shot on target came when Patricia Morais saved Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy’s attempt just before halftime.
Portugal (1-1-0) sits in third place in Group E behind the United States and the Netherlands and will face the two-time defending champion Americans on Tuesday in Auckland. Vietnam (0-2-0) wraps up group play against the Dutch the same day in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Nigeria 3, Australia 2
Nigeria moved to the top of Group B and stunned the co-hosts as Asisat Oshoala volleyed into an open goal in the 72nd minute in Brisbane, Australia.
The match was level at 1-1 at halftime after Australia’s Emily van Egmond and Nigeria’s Uchenna Kanu both scored in stoppage time. Osinache Ohale put the Nigerians ahead in the 65th minute and Oshoala made it 3-1 before Alanna Kennedy completed the scoring before the final whistle.
The Matildas posted a 28-11 advantage in shots (8-6 on goal) despite playing without striker Sam Kerr and attacking midfielder Mary Fowler due to injuries.
Nigeria (1-0-1) has the same record as Canada but is ahead on goals scored going into Monday’s match with Ireland in Brisbane. Australia (1-1-0) will need a win on Monday against the Olympic champion Canadians to advance to the knockout stage.
–Field Level Media