Portugal’s women’s team are one hurdle away from booking their place at a second successive World Cup. Iceland is the final opponent standing between the female Seleção and the tournament in Brazil next summer.
A 3-1 win in Portimão tonight against Northern Ireland completed a 7-1 aggregate victory after the 4-0 thrashing in Larne last Friday.
Northern Ireland took a surprise lead on the half hour, Kess Elmore taking advantage of a mix-up in the Portuguese defence.
Carolina Santiago equalised on the stroke of half time, finishing calmly with her left foot after her initial effort had hit the post.
Second half goals by Jéssica Silva, from an excellent Telma Encarnação cross, and a Carole Costa penalty confirmed the victory.
Portugal will face Iceland in a two-legged playoff beginning next month, the matches scheduled for 26 November and 05 December. Iceland are currently lying 17th in the FIFA rankings, with Portugal occupying 24th place.
The playoff winners will be at World Cup 2027, which is to be played in Brazil from 24 June to 25 July.
Portugal coach Francisco Neto:
“Now we have to start preparing for Iceland. Next week I’ll be travelling there to check on the conditions. But we’ll only make the World Cup if the Portuguese people unite to get behind the team.
“As such, I make an appeal to the population. Come to the stadium (venue to be announced soon), fill it to the rafters and I guarantee that the players will have a positive reaction because they always react well to the support of the fans and we’re going to need it.”
