USA Women is a win away from having a foot closer to another title, with a win against Portugal Women, who is on the verge of eliminations. USA sits at the top of their group standings earning four points from their first two campaigns. However, although they are at the top, they are not yet safe, as they only have one point lead. As for Portugal, they still have a chance for the next round, despite being at the third spot of the group stage. They have three points, and a win here would take them in the next round. This is already the 11th meeting between USA and Portugal, and USA have been the dominant side. In their previous 10 meetings, they won all 10, scoring 39 goals without reply. This meeting will be on August 1, 2023, at 3:00 PM (GMT+8).
USA Women
USA had a dominating start in the contest, as they began their campaign with a 3-0 win against Vietnam. However, they were not able to build something from that win, as they were held in a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands on their next game. They were not able to answer the Netherlands in the first half, but in the second half, they are fortunate that Horan managed to score an equalizing goal. They are now with four points at the top of the group stage, but that is not a safe point for them. What could give USA the confidence coming in this must-win game is the fact that they are on top of the FIFA rankings. It is not a surprise though as they are the most successful team in the contest.
Rose Lavelle is unlikely to start in this match because she is not yet in full fitness. Other than that, expect that there will be no changes for the USA squad coming into this important match. Alex Morgan will continue to lead USA, supported by Trinity Rodman, and Sophia Smith.
Portugal Women
Portugal on the other hand is a team who also has the chance of claiming a spot in the knockout stage if they win in this match. Although they do not have a good start in the contest, losing their opener, they were able to win their next game. They had a 1-0 loss against the Netherlands, but were able to have a 2-0 win against Vietnam. It was the goals from Telma Encarnacao, and Francisca Nazareth that made that win possible for Portugal. Portugal could get the confidence in this match by the fact that they kept three clean sheets in their four games. Moreover, when it comes to their FIFA rankings, this squad is at the 21st, which is already a good spot for them. Additionally, in two of their last three games, they were able to record a win, after being winless in three.
Fatima Pinto, who was sidelined against Vietnam is expected to remain on the sides for this match due to her knee problem. Following their win against Vietnam, expect that there will be no changes for their squad coming into this match.
Prediction:
USA Women (2.5)
Odds: -0.92
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