Preview: Portugal Women vs. Vietnam Women - prediction, team news, lineups

Portugal Women and Vietnam Women will both look to get off the mark in the Women's World Cup 2023 when they face off on Thursday.

The Selecao began their campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Netherlands, while Vietnam were beaten by the defending champions USA.

Match preview

© Reuters

Portugal's first-ever appearance at the Women's World Cup finals began with a loss to the 2019 runners-up the Netherlands.

Despite producing a competitive performance, Portugal were left empty-handed as Stefanie van der Gragt's first-half effort guided the Netherlands to a 1-0 win.

With the USA to come in their final group game, the Selecao know that they face an uphill task if they are to reach the knockout rounds.

Their first priority will be to claim all three points on Thursday, but one win in their last five games suggests that may be easier said than done.

They have at least proven to be a tough team to break down in recent times, conceding just two goals in their previous four matches.

© Reuters

Like their opponents, Vietnam are also appearing at a Women's World Cup for the first time, and their introduction to the tournament could not have been much harder, as they kicked off the campaign against the four-time champions USA.

Vietnam could only keep the USA at bay for 14 minutes before Sophia Smith opened the scoring, but they did receive a boost when Tran Thi Kim Thanh denied Alex Morgan from the penalty spot.

However, the Vietnam goalkeeper could not prevent Smith from adding a second on the stroke of half time, before Lindsey Horan added a third in the 77th minute to condemn Vietnam to a 3-0 defeat.

Despite falling to a fourth consecutive defeat, Mai Duc Chung's side would have been pleased with the character that they showed in the opening game.

Although Portugal sit 17 places above Vietnam in the FIFA World Rankings, Thursday's contest may present them with their best chance of claiming a positive result in a difficult group.