Defending World Cup champions USA go up against the Netherlands, the team they defeated in the final in 2019, on Thursday in the second round of fixtures of the group stage. Co-hosts Australia face Nigeria and Portugal take on Vietnam. Here is all you need to know about Thursday’s schedule.
Where: Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
When: 2am (BST)/3pm (NZST)
TV: BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website
Referee: Yoshimi Yamashita (Japan)
Last meeting: Netherlands 2(2)-2(4) USA (Tokyo Olympics, 2021)
USA’s last result: 3-0 win v Vietnam
Netherlands’ last result: 1-0 win v Portugal
The USA and the Netherlands have been two of the most exciting teams to watch in recent years and we could be in store for another epic battle after their last two meetings at the Tokyo Olympics and the 2019 World Cup final. Both these sides are expected to progress to the knockout stage with ease but this result could determine who gets the favourable draw by finishing top of the group.
Betfred odds: USA 4/6, Netherlands 18/5, Draw 12/5
Sportsman stat: USA have won a record 13 straight matches at the World Cup dating back to 2015. They have outscored their opponents 40-5 in this run.
Where: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
When: 8:30am (BST)/ 7:30pm (NZST)
TV: ITV1, STV, ITVX, STV Player
Referee: Salima Mukansanga (Rwanda)
Last meeting: N/A
Portugal’s last result: 1-0 loss v Netherlands
Vietnam’s last result: 3-0 loss v USA
Portugal were narrowly beaten by the Netherlands last time out but they will need to deliver a much better performance against Vietnam. They only registered one shot on target against the Dutch so greater creativity is a must against Vietnam. Both sides need a result from this match to give themselves a chance of progressing to the knockout stage.
Betfred odds: Portugal 1/14, Vietnam 20/1, Draw 7/1
Sportsman stat: Against the USA, Vietnam became the first team not to attempt a single shot in a World Cup match since the start of the 2011 edition.
Where: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
When: 11am (BST)/8pm (AEST)
TV: BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website
Referee: Esther Staubli (Switzerland)
Last meeting: Australia 2-0 Nigeria (World Cup, 2015)
Australia’s last result: 1-0 win v Republic of Ireland
Nigeria’s last result: 0-0 draw v Canada
Australia got their campaign off to a strong start thanks to their victory over the Republic of Ireland on the opening day. They did have to weather the storm of a late Ireland push for an equaliser but they managed to grind out the win. Nigeria earned a respectable draw with Canada, but they will face a tough test against the co-hosts in front of a packed out home crowd.
Betfred odds: Australia 4/11, Nigeria 7/1, Draw 3/1
Sportsman stat: Australia are looking to win their opening two fixtures at the World Cup for the first time.
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