Portugal, despite being a powerhouse in men’s football, had previously struggled to make inroads in the women’s game.
That has changed in recent years, however, as the women’s team made it to the last two European Championships, and qualified for their first ever World Cup by defeating Cameroon 2-1 in an intercontinental playoff.
They have been impressive in their opening two matches, putting in a determined and hard fought performance against 2019 World Cup finalists the Netherlands, eventually losing 1-0, before winning their first ever World Cup match by defeating fellow debutants Vietnam 2-0.
It means they now have an outside chance of qualifying for the Round of 16, though there is the small matter of getting a win against two-time defending world champions USA. Here are some players who could cause the USWNT problems in their final Group E match.
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Who are Portugal’s best players?
Here are four names USWNT fans should keep in mind ahead of the Group E finale:
Jessica Silva
- Position: Striker
- Age: 28
- Club: Benfica (POR)
- Caps (Goals): 100 (16)
A striker in her prime, Jessica Silva has spent time at powerhouse club Olympique Lyonnais and in the USA’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) with the Kansas City Current. She is now contracted to Benfica in Portugal’s top flight where she has scored 17 goals in 17 games.
Her goal tally for her country is less impressive, but at 100 caps her experience and calmness in big games is an invaluable asset to a Portugal side with limited experience at major competitions.
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Francisca Kika Nazareth
- Position: Attacking midfielder
- Age: 20
- Club: Benfica (POR)
- Caps (Goals): 28 (7)
One of Portugal’s most exciting young players, Kika Nazareth has featured in both of Portugal’s World Cup games so far, scoring in their second clash against Vietnam with a low and powerful drive into the bottom corner.
Kika Nazareth hits it hard and low and finds the back of the net to put Portugal up 2-0 over Vietnam 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/WRKVvd6AnS
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 27, 2023
In her appearance off the bench against Netherlands, she also helped change the momentum of the game and almost created an equaliser, showing her ability and how much of a threat she can be; she will be one to watch at Benfica next season, and will soon be in the shop window of Europe’s big clubs.
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Diana Silva
- Position: Striker
- Age: 28
- Club: Sporting CP (POR)
- Caps (Goals): 93 (23)
Commonly paired up top with namesake Jessica Silva, Diana Silva is another experienced member of the Portugal side that has played a key role in a resurgent Portugal side in recent years.
Close to getting 100 caps for her country, she started the opening match against the Netherlands, and has shown she can be effective both as a starter as well as off the bench against tiring defences.
Like Jessica Silva, Diana Silva also plays domestically in Portugal, but for Benfica’s rivals Sporting CP.
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Andreia Norton
- Position: Central midfielder
- Age: 26
- Club: Benfica (POR)
- Caps (Goals): 73 (4)
A silky smooth midfielder with great technique, vision and intelligence, Andreia Norton has the ability to be a game changer for Portugal.
Another player plying her trade for Benfica in her native country, she has been an ever present in the Portugal team in their run to the 2022 European Championships and now the World Cup.
She started the opener against the Netherlands before coming off the bench against Vietnam, and she can be an effective weapon against the USA, though it will be by far her toughest challenge going up against a World Cup-winning midfield.
