In their opener Stefanie van der Gragt's first-half goal gave the Netherlands a 1-0 victory over Portugal in Dunedin.
Last tournament's runners-up dominated possession and gave very little away.
And five days ago new Manchester City signing Jill Roord put the Dutch on course for a famous win over the USA after a clinical finish from the edge of the box.
But the world champions levelled midway through the second half.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
A big win today might just see the Netherlands pip the USA to top spot in Group E.
'I can't see USA having too many problems'
Portugal v USA (08:00 BST)
BBCCopyright: BBC
The USA will go through if they avoid defeat and although they have made something of a slow start in Group E, I can't see them having too many problems against Portugal.
The defending champions are one of the teams I am expecting to ramp it up as the World Cup goes on, because they have a lot of younger players who are taking part in their first tournament and learning the ropes. 1-3.
Flying the flag for Portugal
Portugal v United States (08:00 BST)
Neil Johnston
BBC Sport at Eden Park
BBC SportCopyright: BBC Sport
Not everyone inside Eden Park is cheering for the United States.
Above is Niko with his mum. Niko is from New Zealand but wants Portugal to win.
Why?
"I love Cristiano Ronaldo," he says. "He's the best player in the world."
Portugal target giant upset
Portugal v USA (08:00 BST)
In their World Cup opener Portugal were narrowly beaten by the Netherlands.
But in their last match they set up a face-off with reigning champions the United States for a Women's World Cup last-16 spot by winning impressively against Vietnam.
The debutants got a maiden victory via their first World Cup goals, scored by Telma Encarnacao and Kika Nazareth.
Portugal will progress to the knockout stages if they cause a giant upset and beat four-time winners the USA.
This match essentially a last 32 tie for the debutants. They couldn't, could they?
'Portugal will struggle to match USA's physciality'
Portugal v United States (08:00 BST)
Vicky Losada
Former Spain midfielder on ITV 1
I think Portugal knows that USA is a big team.
Netherlands matched the USA's physicality and I think Portugal will struggle with that.
We've seen that USA haven't been very good in attack but if Portugal give USA some space, it will be complicated for them.
Carnival atmosphere
Portugal v United States (08:00 BST)
Neil Johnston
BBC Sport at Eden Park
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Auckland is chock-a-block with USA fans and, unusually, some are on edge with their team's place in the last 16 not yet guaranteed.
It's been a spring-like day in New Zealand's largest city and there's a carnival atmosphere along the waterfront. I spotted shirts with Lavelle and Rapinoe on the back earlier on Queen Street, home to some of Auckland's poshest shops.
The word is Eden Park is going to be rammed with USA fans.
USA hoping to advance in style
Portugal v USA (08:00 BST)
The United States launched their bid for an unprecedented third consecutive world crown with a comfortable win against Women's World Cup debutants Vietnam in Auckland 11 days ago.
But last time out they needed captain Lindsey Horan to come to the rescue, denying the Netherlands an upset in a thrilling draw.
Video content
Video caption: Women's World Cup 2023: USA fightback after going behind against Netherlands - highlightsWomen's World Cup 2023: USA fightback after going behind against Netherlands - highlights
The defending champions are favourites against Portugal. Can they finish the group stages with a flourish?
Team news - Netherlands name unchanged starting XI
Vietnam v Netherlands (08:00 BST)
Can Vietnam get their first ever Women's World Cup goal?
Tran Thi Hai Linh returns to the starting lineup after
the defender missed the 2-0 defeat by Portugal.
Vietnam starting XI: Kim Thanh, Thi Thu, Diem My, Thu Thuong, Thi Loan, Thu Thao, Thanh Nha, Hai Linh, Thi Van, Bich Thuy, Hai Yen
Subs: Kieu Oanh, Thi Hang, Thi Kieu, Thuy Nga, Tuyet Dung, Thuy Trang, Hai Linh, Thi Thao, Thuy Hang, Thi Hoa, Van Su, My Anh
BBC SportCopyright: BBC Sport
Andries Jonker names an unchanged starting line-up from the Netherlands' 1-1 draw with the United States.
Defender Stefanie van der Gragt, the goalscorer in their opening game against Portugal, is fit to start despite being forced
off with injury at half-time against the reigning world champions.
Netherlands XI: Van Domselaar, Janssen, Van der Gragt, Spitse, Groenen, Brugts, Pelova, Van de Donk, Roord, Martens, Snoeijs
Eden Park is where it all began. The opening ceremony followed by New Zealand's stunning win over Norway feels an age ago but this iconic venue is set to host a crowd that will see the aggregate attendance for this tournament pass through the 1,000,000 barrier.
So far 982,975 fans have watched 38 games in Australia and New Zealand, an average of 25,868 per match. The average crowd at the 2019 Women's World Cup in France was 21,756.
According to Fifa's latest numbers, 1,678,080 tickets have been sold for this tournament, with the number rising by the day.
Team news
Portugal v United States (08:00 BST)
Will Portugal pull off one of the biggest shocks in Women's World Cup history?
They have made a flurry of changes from the side that secured a historic first World Cup win against Vietnam.
Keeper Ines Pereira, defender Diana Gomes and the vastly-experienced Dolores Silva are among those back in the starting XI.
Big news from the United States dressing room as Vlatko Andonovski makes his first changes of the tournament after naming the same team for back-to-back games.
Rose Lavelle, who had not played since April before this tournament because of a knee injury, starts after coming off the bench to provide the assist for Lindsey Horan to equalise against the Netherlands.
Forward Lynn Williams gets her first taste of this World Cup as Savannah DeMelo and Trinity Rodman drop out.
United States starting XI: Naeher, Dunn, Girma, Ertz, Fox, Horan, Sullivan, Lavelle, Smith, Morgan, Williams.
.Copyright: .
The permutations
BBC Sport/Getty ImagesCopyright: BBC Sport/Getty Images
Here we go. The United States and the Netherlands will both qualify if they avoid defeat.
USA are currently top on goal difference, and will win Group E if they equal or better the Netherlands' result.
Portugal will reach the round of 16 on their competition debut if they cause arguably the biggest upset in Women's World Cup history and beat reigning champions USA.
They can also qualify if they draw and the Netherlands suffer an unlikely defeat to already-eliminated Vietnam.
Welcome
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Good morning and welcome to the live text commentary for the Women's World Cup Group E finale.
Two games, one kick-off time, and three teams all with a chance of reaching the last 16.
Will Portugal stun the USA to advance? Or will it be the defending champions securing a spot in the knockouts?
Can the Netherlands boost their goal difference to go through as group winners?
Meanwhile, Vietnam are chasing their first ever point at a World Cup.
There's so much to play for, I can't wait to bring it to you. Let's do this!
Live Reporting
Joe Rindl
All times stated are UK
Get involved
Netherlands target top spot
Vietnam v Netherlands (08:00 BST)
In their opener Stefanie van der Gragt's first-half goal gave the Netherlands a 1-0 victory over Portugal in Dunedin.
Last tournament's runners-up dominated possession and gave very little away.
And five days ago new Manchester City signing Jill Roord put the Dutch on course for a famous win over the USA after a clinical finish from the edge of the box.
But the world champions levelled midway through the second half.
A big win today might just see the Netherlands pip the USA to top spot in Group E.
'I can't see USA having too many problems'
Portugal v USA (08:00 BST)
The USA will go through if they avoid defeat and although they have made something of a slow start in Group E, I can't see them having too many problems against Portugal.
The defending champions are one of the teams I am expecting to ramp it up as the World Cup goes on, because they have a lot of younger players who are taking part in their first tournament and learning the ropes. 1-3.
Flying the flag for Portugal
Portugal v United States (08:00 BST)
Neil Johnston
BBC Sport at Eden Park
Not everyone inside Eden Park is cheering for the United States.
Above is Niko with his mum. Niko is from New Zealand but wants Portugal to win.
Why?
"I love Cristiano Ronaldo," he says. "He's the best player in the world."
Portugal target giant upset
Portugal v USA (08:00 BST)
In their World Cup opener Portugal were narrowly beaten by the Netherlands.
But in their last match they set up a face-off with reigning champions the United States for a Women's World Cup last-16 spot by winning impressively against Vietnam.
The debutants got a maiden victory via their first World Cup goals, scored by Telma Encarnacao and Kika Nazareth.
Portugal will progress to the knockout stages if they cause a giant upset and beat four-time winners the USA.
This match essentially a last 32 tie for the debutants. They couldn't, could they?
'Portugal will struggle to match USA's physciality'
Portugal v United States (08:00 BST)
Vicky Losada
Former Spain midfielder on ITV 1
I think Portugal knows that USA is a big team.
Netherlands matched the USA's physicality and I think Portugal will struggle with that.
We've seen that USA haven't been very good in attack but if Portugal give USA some space, it will be complicated for them.
Carnival atmosphere
Portugal v United States (08:00 BST)
Neil Johnston
BBC Sport at Eden Park
Auckland is chock-a-block with USA fans and, unusually, some are on edge with their team's place in the last 16 not yet guaranteed.
It's been a spring-like day in New Zealand's largest city and there's a carnival atmosphere along the waterfront. I spotted shirts with Lavelle and Rapinoe on the back earlier on Queen Street, home to some of Auckland's poshest shops.
The word is Eden Park is going to be rammed with USA fans.
USA hoping to advance in style
Portugal v USA (08:00 BST)
The United States launched their bid for an unprecedented third consecutive world crown with a comfortable win against Women's World Cup debutants Vietnam in Auckland 11 days ago.
But last time out they needed captain Lindsey Horan to come to the rescue, denying the Netherlands an upset in a thrilling draw.
Video content
The defending champions are favourites against Portugal. Can they finish the group stages with a flourish?
Team news - Netherlands name unchanged starting XI
Vietnam v Netherlands (08:00 BST)
Can Vietnam get their first ever Women's World Cup goal?
Tran Thi Hai Linh returns to the starting lineup after the defender missed the 2-0 defeat by Portugal.
Vietnam starting XI: Kim Thanh, Thi Thu, Diem My, Thu Thuong, Thi Loan, Thu Thao, Thanh Nha, Hai Linh, Thi Van, Bich Thuy, Hai Yen
Subs: Kieu Oanh, Thi Hang, Thi Kieu, Thuy Nga, Tuyet Dung, Thuy Trang, Hai Linh, Thi Thao, Thuy Hang, Thi Hoa, Van Su, My Anh
Andries Jonker names an unchanged starting line-up from the Netherlands' 1-1 draw with the United States.
Defender Stefanie van der Gragt, the goalscorer in their opening game against Portugal, is fit to start despite being forced off with injury at half-time against the reigning world champions.
Netherlands XI: Van Domselaar, Janssen, Van der Gragt, Spitse, Groenen, Brugts, Pelova, Van de Donk, Roord, Martens, Snoeijs
Subs: Kop, Weimar, Wilms, Nouwen, Van Dongen, Beerensteyn, Baijings, Jansen, Dijkstra, Casparij, Kaptein, Egurrola
Eden Park set for milestone
Portugal v United States (08:00 BST)
Neil Johnston
BBC Sport at Eden Park
Eden Park is where it all began. The opening ceremony followed by New Zealand's stunning win over Norway feels an age ago but this iconic venue is set to host a crowd that will see the aggregate attendance for this tournament pass through the 1,000,000 barrier.
So far 982,975 fans have watched 38 games in Australia and New Zealand, an average of 25,868 per match. The average crowd at the 2019 Women's World Cup in France was 21,756.
According to Fifa's latest numbers, 1,678,080 tickets have been sold for this tournament, with the number rising by the day.
Team news
Portugal v United States (08:00 BST)
Will Portugal pull off one of the biggest shocks in Women's World Cup history?
They have made a flurry of changes from the side that secured a historic first World Cup win against Vietnam.
Keeper Ines Pereira, defender Diana Gomes and the vastly-experienced Dolores Silva are among those back in the starting XI.
Portugal starting XI: Pereira, Amado, Costa, Gomes, Borges, Dolores Silva, Norton, Pinto, Nazareth, Diana Silva, J Silva.
Big news from the United States dressing room as Vlatko Andonovski makes his first changes of the tournament after naming the same team for back-to-back games.
Rose Lavelle, who had not played since April before this tournament because of a knee injury, starts after coming off the bench to provide the assist for Lindsey Horan to equalise against the Netherlands.
Forward Lynn Williams gets her first taste of this World Cup as Savannah DeMelo and Trinity Rodman drop out.
United States starting XI: Naeher, Dunn, Girma, Ertz, Fox, Horan, Sullivan, Lavelle, Smith, Morgan, Williams.
The permutations
Here we go. The United States and the Netherlands will both qualify if they avoid defeat.
USA are currently top on goal difference, and will win Group E if they equal or better the Netherlands' result.
Portugal will reach the round of 16 on their competition debut if they cause arguably the biggest upset in Women's World Cup history and beat reigning champions USA.
They can also qualify if they draw and the Netherlands suffer an unlikely defeat to already-eliminated Vietnam.
Welcome
Good morning and welcome to the live text commentary for the Women's World Cup Group E finale.
Two games, one kick-off time, and three teams all with a chance of reaching the last 16.
Will Portugal stun the USA to advance? Or will it be the defending champions securing a spot in the knockouts?
Can the Netherlands boost their goal difference to go through as group winners?
Meanwhile, Vietnam are chasing their first ever point at a World Cup.
There's so much to play for, I can't wait to bring it to you. Let's do this!