Match Report: Portugal 1 - 1 England

✍️Sophie Granger

Portugal took on England at Estádio Municipal de Portimão on Friday 21st February. The current European Champions, England, opened the scoring in the 15' minute with Arsenal striker, Alessia Russo, getting her name on the scoresheet. Portuguese substitute, Kika Nazareth, found the equaliser for Portugal in the 75' minute.

📸via Sky Sports

Lineups:

PORTUGAL (3-5-2) Inês Pereira, Catarina Amado, Ana Borges, Carole Costa, Diana Gomes, Joana Marchão, Dolores Silva (C), Tatiana Pinto, Andreia Norton, Jéssica Silva, Diana Silva.

ENGLAND (4-3-3) Mary Earps, Lucy Bronze, Niamh Charles, Millie Bright, Leah Williamson (C), Jess Park, Grace Clinton, Alessia Russo, Ella Toone, Lauren James.

First Half:

During the first 10 minutes of the game, England gained a lot of possession, with a couple shots on goal. Portugal tried to make chances however England's defence looked strong.

Portugal 0 - 1 England:

In the 15th minute, Alessia Russo scored with an outstanding cross from England Defender, Lucy Bronze.

Portugal started creating more counter-attacking chances, and gained some more possession with the ball.

In the 24th minute, Niamh Charles received medical attention, as a mistimed tackle was made from Catarina Amado, who received a yellow card.

Another yellow card was given in the 34th minute, Jess Park receives a yellow card from a mistimed tackle from a Portuguese defender.

In the last minute of the first half, and the last chance, Portugal had a corner but were unable to get a goal out of it.

Half Time:

PORTUGAL 0-1 ENGLAND

Second Half:

Substitution for England: Defender Jess Carter comes on for Lucy Bronze. The second half starts, Lauren James has a quick shot on goal.

Portugal received a free kick due to a tackle by Ella Toone, and then another free kick a few minutes later. Play starts to get more equal, as both teams are keen to score.

Play stops as Catarina Amado goes down and receives medical attention from a tackle made by Alessia Russo.

Three changes are made for Portugal, hoping to see a change in the game. Barcelona Forward, Kika Nazareth comes on for Diana Silva, Andreia Jacinto comes on for Catarina Amado, and Joana Marchão comes off for Lucia Alves. 

Another Lioness receives a yellow card in the 65th minute, and not so long later, Portuguese Midfielder, Tatiana Pinto had her name in the book.

In the last 20 minutes, Portugal seemed a lot more confident and tried to find ways to get through on goal. 

There were times where Diana Silvia and Andreia Norton had a more direct chance on goal. However, England Goalkeeper Mary Earps didn't let the game change for England, however she went down in the 71st minute with what looked like a hamstring injury. 

Jéssica Silva comes off for Portugal, and Ana Capeta comes on.

Portugal 1 - 1 England:

Kika Nazareth hit an outstanding strike and the ball floated into the top right corner of the goal. An incredible goal from the Barcelona Forward who is on top form for her club.

As a portugal player goes down from a shove from Leah Williamson, England make changes. Chloe Kelly comes on for Jess Park, and Aggie Beever-Jones comes on for Grace Clinton. Portugal continued to build for another goal to seal all 3 points, making passes and definitely going in stronger than they did in the first 45 minutes. 

Extra time - 4 minutes:

Portuguese forward Silva comes off for Faria. Both teams continue their play in hopes to change it up, however the final whistle blows. 

Full-time

Both teams share a point in Matchday One of the UEFA Women's Nations League due to goals from both Alessia Russo and Kika Nazareth. Both forwards have been on top form for their clubs in the Barclay's Women's Super League and Liga F.

Who do both sides take on in Matchday Two of the UEFA Women's Nations League?

England take on Spain at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday 26th February. This iconic fixture goes back to the FIFA Women's World Cup Final where Spain took home the title.

Portugal will take on Belgium away from home at the King Power at Den Dreef Stadion on Wednesday 26th February.