Portugal knocks Vietnam out of World Cup contention

HAMILTON, July 27: The debutants Vietnam have been eliminated from World Cup contention after a tough loss to Portugal at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand.

The debutants Portugal grasped the victory against Vietnam by a score of 2-0 goals. They will now face the reigning champions United States for a last-16 spot in the tournament.

The first goal was scored for Portugal by Velosa Encarnacao in the 7th minute of the match. The second goal was also scored in the first half at the 21st-minute mark. The debutants reigned victorious as they held on to the lead in the second half.

Portugal play the United States in their final Group E match on Tuesday at 08:00 BST, while Vietnam will seek their first World Cup point and goal against the Netherlands at the same time.

"The United States will be a completely different game," said Portugal manager Francisco Neto. "Today, even though we had a victory, there are lots of things we can improve."