There will come a time when women’s football in Portugal will stop smashing through new barriers at breakneck speed. That time has not yet arrived.

Investment by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and many of Portugal’s biggest clubs has led to successive landmarks being reached in recent years, both on and off the pitch. 

Portugal’s 2023 European U19 Championship campaign in Malta ended with a 1-0 defeat to Italy in the final at Ta'Qali National Stadium.

The Azzurini were the better team in the first half with Michael Kayode scoring the decisive goal in the 19th minute. 

Joaquim Milheiro made two changes at the break which briefly turned the tide in his side’s favour, but the free flowing football displayed in the run to the final was rarely on show.

The defeat brings the summer of action to a close for Portugal’s youth teams, the U17 side knocked out in the group stage in Hungary and the U21 side exiting in the quarter-finals in Georgia. 

Portugal demolished Norway 5-0 in the 2023 European U19 Championship semi-final at Tony Bezzina Stadium.

Gustavo Sá’s persistence was rewarded in the 4th minute when he embarrassed Magnus Rugland Ree, Hugo Félix beating the goalkeeper from the penalty spot 13 minutes later.

The Equipa das Quinas went 3-0 ahead in the 31st minute when Sá’s clever pass was converted by Rodrigo Ribeiro.

There was no respite from Joaquim Milheiro’s side in the second half, Samuel Justo’s cross headed home by Ribeiro before the striker teed up Carlos Borges who completed the rout.

Portugal will go into the final full of confidence after winning all four matches in Malta, Spain or Italy their opponents at Ta' Qali National Stadium on Sunday.

Portugal made it three straight wins at the 2023 European U19 Championship after defeating hosts Malta 2-1 at Gozo Stadium.

Miguel Falé opened the scoring in the 8th minute, but the goal fest many expected failed to eventuate.

A howler from Diogo Pinto allowed Basil Tuma to equalise in the 71st minute, the Equipa das Quinas restoring their lead three minutes later.

Carlos Borges was the instigator, his cross falling to João Gonçalves who made no mistake from close range.

Joaquim Milheiro’s side have four days to prepare for the semi-final which is likely to be contested against Norway or Iceland.