09:28
The fact that it is a very special day for the Portuguese women can be seen on the faces of some of the players: tears of joy flowed during the national anthem.
09:25
The national anthems sound.
09:24
The 22 players have just entered the pitch.
09:01
In the Selecção das Quinas, which won the ticket for Australia and New Zealand after second place in qualifying group H behind Germany through playoff victories against Belgium (2-1) and Iceland (4-1 after extra time), coach Francisco Neto wants to be successful with the usual 4-4-2. One of the top two is Diana Silva (Sporting CP), who was the top scorer in qualifying with five goals.
08:53
On the Leeuwinnen side, who only qualified on the last matchday in early September with a 1-0 home win against Iceland in injury time and whose most experienced player by far is midfielder Sherida Spitse with 215 caps, coach Andries Jonker is opting for a 3-5-2 formation. Dominique Janssen from VfL Wolfsburg is in the starting eleven from the Bundesliga.
08:46
Portugal’s elite footballers are starting a new chapter in the association’s history today as they play their first ever World Cup game. The Iberian selection, which did not get past the group stage at the two most recent European Championships, is therefore strong in terms of play, but reveals major weaknesses in their defensive work. Only with a clear improvement in defense is she a serious contender in this difficult group.
08:38
The Netherlands can count on the extended group of favorites to win the title, although their development after the European Championship triumph in 2017 and the lost World Cup final in 2019 has undoubtedly stalled in the recent past. Andries Jonker, who succeeded his predecessor Mark Parsons after the botched European Championship 2022 (quarter-finals), has changed Oranje’s tactical approach significantly. If the new coach’s ideas work out completely and the team can bring their high individual quality to the pitch, the Netherlands can also eliminate the heavyweights and go very far.
08:30
A warm welcome from Dunedin on the South Island of New Zealand! The Dutch national team will be challenged by debutantes Portugal in their World Cup opening game in Group E. Kick-off at Forsyth Barr Stadium is scheduled for 9:30am GMT.