Portuguese Football in English
Portugal 2-0 Ukraine
“We’re ready!” That was the message sent out by Francisco Neto’s team as the female Seleção brushed aside Ukraine in their final pre World Cup friendly, dominating the match from start to finish at the Bessa stadium in Porto.
In front of a record crowed for a women’s national team match (21,123), star player Jéssica Silva’s first-half brace ensured Portugal will travel to the tournament in New Zealand and Australia in good heart.
It may be strange to be celebrating a 0-0 draw in preparation for a World Cup, but that is exactly what Portugal’s women’s team is doing after their penultimate warmup match, against Euro 22 champions, England.
With the big kickoff at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 less than twenty days away, Francisco Neto’s ever-improving team gave another indication they are in good shape to make a splash at the tournament.
Portugal got off to a winning start at the 2023 European U19 Championship in Malta after beating Poland 2-0 at Tony Bezzina Stadium.
Joaquim Milheiro’s scored in the 4th minute when Hugo Félix’s free kick was headed home by Gabriel Brás.
The Equipa das Quinas controlled proceedings in Paola and doubled their advantage in the 60th minute, Hugo Félix pouncing on a loose ball and smashing it in off the post.
Tomasz Pienko fired Poland’s only shot on target in the 80th minute but couldn’t beat Gonçalo Ribeiro, Portugal cruising to the full-time whistle in the Mediterranean Sea.
Portugal exited the 2023 European U21 Championship campaign in the quarter-finals after a hard fought 1-0 defeat against England at Ramaz Shengelia Stadium.
The Equipa das Quinas weathered an early storm before getting into the contest, Pedro Neto testing James Trafford at his near post.
England regained control however and scored the decisive goal in the 34th minute. Jacob Ramsey started the move with a surging run before Morgan Gibbs-White sent the ball into the danger area where Anthony Gordon converted.
The second half was one-way traffic with Rui Jorge’s side dominating from start to finish, Henrique Araújo going closest in the 73rd minute when he headed Neto’s cross against the bar.
Diego Moreira and Vitinha were introduced in the closing stages but it wasn’t to be in Kutaisi, Portugal getting set for a long flight home before some well-earned rest in the sunshine.
Portugal are making their final preparations for the 2023 UEFA European U19 Championship in Malta.
The Equipa das Quinas have been drawn in Group A alongside the hosts, Poland and Italy. Their campaign begins against Poland, the match taking place in Paola on 3 July.
Eight nations are competing in the tournament with Joaquim Milheiro’s side attempting to lift the trophy for the second time. They won in Finland in 2018, defeating Italy 4-3 in extra time in the final.
Portugal have a proud history at the tournament, winning in 1961 when it was the UEFA Youth Tournament. They won in 1994 and 1999 when it was the UEFA European U18 Championship.
Their last involvement in the European U19 Championship was in 2019 when they reached the final in Armenia, going down 2-0 to Spain.
