Key events
Portugal’s anthem is one of my low-key favourites, finishing on a proper chant. Jessica Silva, in particular, gives it absolutely everything.
Anthem time! And … yes! We’re close enough to hear the players singing! Holland’s tops are smart, likewise their coats.
Here come our teams!
Portugal, though, will need to deliver a very serious performance to stop Groenen and Roord controlling this game. I’ve not seen much of Brugts, the third player in their trio, but she’s playing for PSV at 19 so will have something.
Talking about Holland’s ability to block up the middle of the park, well – Portugal’s 4-4-2, whether flat or a diamond, can do the same. If it is the latter, though, too many players ahead of the ball might be a problem, especially given the onus that’ll be on the full-backs to supply the width. Pelova and Van de Donk will fancy themselves to exploit that.
Fara Williams is one of my favourite co-commentators. She’s in the studio today, and has just invented the verb “trialling and erroring” to describe Hollands’ experimentation. Superb work.
I mentioned Pelova, and what I really like about her is her versatility. I guess in a sense, she’s like her Arsenal colleague Bukayo Saka – though they’re different styles of player – because she’s able to play in a verity of different positions at a young age, which speaks of extreme footballing intelligence.
Learn more about our players here:
As for Portugal, they’ve got two Pintos in midfield – Tatiana and Fatima – and three Silvas – Dolores in midfield, then Jessica and Diana up front. I shall do my best.
Back to our game, there’s a really solid look about the Netherlands. I doubt the long-term plan is for them to play three at back, but as they develop, the security of an extra midfielder allows them to protect their defence and keep the ball. I’m certain the better sides will target the areas behind the wing-backs, but forcing them to go wide because the middle is blocked makes sense, and actually worked really well for the men’s side in 2014 when they finished third.
Sweden have beaten South Africa. They top the group, though Italy and Argentina have still to play.
In Group G, a goal!
Teams!
Netherlands (3-1-4-2-): Van Domselaar; Spitse, Van der Gragt, Janssen; Groenen; Pelova, Brugts, Roord, Van de Donk; Beerensteyn, Martens. Subs: Wilms, Nouwen, Van Dongen, Snoeijs, Baijings, Jansen, Dijkstra, Kop, Casparaji, Kaptein, Eugrrola, Weimar.
Portugal (4-4-2): Pereira; Borges, Gomes, Costa, Amado; Pinto T, Dolores Silva, Pinto F, Norton; Diana Silva, Jessica Silva. Subs: Alves, Rebelo, Marchao, Jacinto, Rodrogies, Morais, Seica, Mendes, Nazareth, Capeta, Costa, Encamacao.
Preamble
If it feels like a while since the Netherlands – European champions at the time – were runners up at the 2019 World Cup, it’s because it is – in general, but especially in footballing terms.
Of course, USA, who beat them in the final, are still good, likewise England – who might perhaps have beaten them in the semis had Sarina Wiegman been their manager already, rather than in charge of Oranje. But since she took over they’ve become an entirely different proposition, while Spain, Germany and Australia are also much improved, meaning Netherlands – though improving under Andries Jonker – are no longer the force they once were.
They’re also missing the wondrous Vivianne Miedema, an annoyance from which no team could emerge stronger – though, in Victoria Pelova, her Arsenal teammate, they have a talent who might just use this tournament to announce herself to the world. And when, as other midfield options, a team also boasts Jackie Groenen, Jill Roord and Daniëlle van de Donk – with Lieke Martens up front – we’re talking about an outfit not necessarily good enough to beat as many good teams as it takes to win this thing, but certainly good enough to beat a good team on a good day.
As for their opponents today, it surely won’t be too long before Portugal are a force, but for now they’re playing catch-up. Still, they’ve been playing together for a while so know what they’re doing, have the superb Jéssica Silva up front, and saw what New Zealand pulled off against Norway. It’d be a huge shock if they won, but if everything goes right for them, they can make this interesting – and then who knows?
Kick-off: 5.30pm local, 8.30am BST