The women’s national team lost, this Friday, to Spain, by 3-2, and thus failed to guarantee their presence in the final of the European Championship, which will be played at the Fónix Arena, in Debrecen, Hungary.
Spain reached this final four with the status of two-time European champion in the sport, thanks to the two titles won once morest Portugal – a 4-0 victory in 2019 and triumph in the shoot-out by penalties, following a 3-3 draw, in July last year.
In this Friday’s semifinal, the team from the corners took the lead following just 21 seconds, with a goal by Carla Vanessa, but would end up reaching the break at a disadvantage, following Lucía Gómez and Noelia Montoro turned the result around.
Portugal entered the second half with great determination and, right from the start, luck did not work on their side, as Janice’s shot, following deflecting an opponent, hit the crossbar with a bang.
The Portuguese pressure paid off with 13 minutes left, when Ana Azevedo’s recovery allowed Carla Vanessa to score twice, but, in response, a defensive error offered the 3-2 to Irene Córdoba.
Portugal was threatening a new draw, but the Spanish might also have scored once more, through Irene Córdoba, but the direct free hit hit the post of Ana Catarina’s goal.