Portugal defeats Vietnam out of Women’s World Cup group stage

Hamilton, The Gulf Observer: Telma Encarnacao scored a goal and assisted on another as Portugal defeated Vietnam 2-0 in the Women’s World Cup, a win that ensured Vietnam will not advance to the knockout stage.

Portugal jumped ahead in the seventh minute following a quick series of decisive passes through the Vietnamese defense.

Portugal still has a shot to advance out of the group stage but will need to win or draw against the United States, with a Netherlands loss against Vietnam.

Just 14 minutes later, Portugal turned a goal kick from Vietnam into a chance, taking possession and moving downfield. Encarnacao slipped the ball to Kika Nazareth as she raced through defenders, and the 20-year-old forward slotted the second goal of the night to the left of goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh , Associated Press reported (AP).

About 6,650 fans turned out to Waikato Stadium, which has a capacity of 18,009. The crowd was mostly Vietnamese fans, but it was the Portuguese contingent that made all the noise.

Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy was the lone bright spot for Vietnam. The right winger looked threatening the few times the Golden Star Women Warriors found themselves on the attack but couldn’t produce a goal.

In their second Women’s World Cup match, Portugal got their very first Women’s World Cup goal.

With its first-ever Women’s World Cup win, tournament newcomer Portugal stays in third place in Group E, just a point behind the United States and the Netherlands. To qualify for the round of 16.

Portugal plays its next match in Auckland against the reigning world champion and group leader United States.

Vietnam, meanwhile, faces a daunting finish to its first tournament in Dunedin against the Netherlands.