Portugal vs USA Prediction: The Americans to apply caution

USA and Portugal go head to head in a very vital clash to book a place in the Knockout stage of the competition. USA and Netherlands have taken 4 points already from the opening 2 games, and Portugal are behind with 3 points, while Vietnam have 0 points. While the USA needs to pull off a draw to qualify, Portugal needs to win the game. Netherlands on the other hand have been handed an easy match as they go up against Vietnam who have lost both opening games. So, it's up to either of these teams to book a place in the knockout round of games.

Portugal will need a miracle to get a win over the world cup champions as they have a very poor record coming up against them. Portugal had 1 win and 1 defeat in the group stages and find themselves in 3rd place in the group needing a win here to qualify for the knockout stage. They lost by a single goal against Netherlands in the opening match and then defeated Vietnam 2-0 in the second game.

Against Vietnam, the Portuguese were on target in the early stages of the game, with Telma Encaracao scoring the first goal in just 7 minutes into the game and Fransisca Nazareth netting the second goal in the 21st minute to earn them their first win of the tournament. The Portuguese were also dominant tactically as they had more possession (69%), more shots on target (9) and more corner kicks (9) in that game.

Team streak: less than 2.5 goals (5/5), first to score (8/10), less than 4.5 cards (6/6), less than 10.5 corners (5/7).

Starting XI (3-4-1-2)

Patricia Morais, Ana Borges, Carole Costa, Ana Rita Seica, Lucia Alves, Andrela Jacinto, Tatiana Pinto, Joana Morchao, Francisca Nazareth, Jessica Silva, Telma Ercarnacao.

The USA fans will be hoping their team can shake off the pressure and pull off a win here as they try to earn their place in the knockout stages. USA stands as the leaders of the group with 4 points, same as Netherlands and they come against a desperate Portugal team who need a win to qualify. For the USA team, a draw will be enough but a team of their caliber will be fighting for the top spot.

The USA played a 1-1 draw against Netherlands in their last game after their 3-0 win against Vietnam in the opening game. It was a tough game for the Americans as they fought back to equalize after Jill Roord put Netherlands ahead in the 17th minute. The US team finally got the equalizer through Lindsey Horan in the 62nd minute. The game ended in a draw despite efforts from both sides to go ahead. According to the statistics of the game, the USA had only 44% possession, but registered more shots (4), and more corners (11) in the game.

Team streaks: no losses (11), less than 2.5 goals (4/5), first to score (9/10), first half winner (7/9), less than 10.5 corners (10/10).

Starting XI (4-3-3)

Alyssa Naeher, Emily Fox, Julie Ertz, Naomi Girma, Crystal Dunn, Savannah DeMelo, Andi Sullivan, Lindsey Horan, Trinity Rodman, Alex Morgan, Sophia Smith.

The USA have a perfect record against Portugal according to the head-to-head record. Both countries have played 4 games against each other in the past and USA won all 4 matches.

• USA won all 4 meetings against Portugal
• USA have not conceded a goal in all 4 meetings.
• Portugal are without a clean sheet in all 4 meetings.

The US are superior based on team quality and experience and the head-to-head record is surely in their favor. But this is a game they must tread with caution and they are aware of the threat the Portuguese team poses. The Portuguese need a win and will take the risks to get it, and the Americans will be careful not to make any mistakes that puts them in the position they were in against Netherlands in the previous match. This will be a very tight game as I think the US team will prefer to play safe than go all out searching for a win.

• Away to Score 1-2 Goals at 1.73 Odds
• Under 2.5 Goals at 1.992 Odds
• Correct Score 0-1 at 6.00 Odds