Portugal fought a point in a passionate final phase against Italy and thus continues in the tournament. Italy has to worry about quarter -finals despite a dominant appearance.
Italy did not get past a 1-1 (0: 0) on Monday evening in Geneva against Portugal. Cristiana Girelli got the lead with a dream goal (70th). Diana Gomez achieved the equalization late (89th).
With four points from two games and a goal difference of +1, the selection of Andrea Soncin on paper has good chances in the quarter -finals. In the third game, Italy meets the strong Spaniards who have already scored eleven goals in two games. Portugal has to hope for Spanish shooting aid with a goal difference from -5 on the last matchday.
Italy starts at a lot of speed
For the Portuguese selection, it was the second game after the accident death of her compatriot Diogo Jota from Liverpool. The players warmed up in shirts with the inscription “Diogo J” before the kick -off. Coach Francisco Neto brought five new players from the beginning compared to the 0: 5 against Spain. Among other things, Kika Nazareth from FC Barcelona was able to participate again after her ankle injury.
Portugal’s players wear shirts with the imprint “Diogo J.” to remind the late Diogo Jota.
The Italian offensive around Arianna Caruso from FC Bayern, who had secured the 1-0 victory in the first game against Belgium with her goal, came into the game well. Cristiana Girelli forced goalkeeper Patricia Morais with a 20-meter shot to a first parade (8th). Portugal also did not hide and tried to raise a structured offensive game. However, it remained on approaches because the Italian defensive with consistent duel guidance kept the shop close.
Severin stands in the offside at the dusting
It became much more dangerous in front of the Portuguese goal. A precise free kick flank by Lisa Boattin headed Cecilia Salvai in the latte (20th). In the game there was a lot of speed in, but at the expense of precision in the passing game. So the action sucked back and forth happily, but there was no conclusion – until the 36th minute.
Girelli brought a header on the goal, Morais just fended off the ball and Emma Severini dusted for the supposed leadership. But the 21-year-old had been offside at the moment of Girelli’s degree. Because Morais also parried Girelli’s shot from a short distance with a reflex (45th), it remained until the half -time whistle of referee Ivana Martinčić at the goalless draw.
A lot of fight, no goals – Portugal and Italy convinced mainly with their use in the first half
Caruso aims just next to it
The second round went with unchanged staff. The Portuguese started a little researcher and showed themselves on the offensive. Diana Silva’s flank put goalkeeper Laura Giuliani with no problems. Italy, on the other hand, had a hard time creating great opportunities. So until the 60th minute, when Severini initially aimed too high and shortly afterwards Caruso narrowly missed the left angle.
Portugal now lurked to his possibility. In a counterattack, substitute Jessica Silva put on the left side, but missed the right time for the end – chance wasted (67.). Especially when Portugal seemed to come into play better, Italy struck ice cold. Girelli was played on the left corner of the penalty area, lay the ball on the right foot and stuck to the right angle for Morais. A dream goal that reminded of the goals of her compatriot Alessandro Del Piero in the 1990s and 2000s.
Portugal was now challenged to avert the early on. And the Neto team now came with power. First, the Portuguese players demanded penalty after Girelli had jumped the ball on the hand. But referee Martinčić continued to play. Shortly afterwards, Diana Silva headed a free kick flank to the post and pressed the rebound over the line. But this goal was also refused recognition. The video referee checked the scene and ate the gate because of an offside position.
Italy and Spain play for group victory
Even after the next setback, Portugal threw everything forward. Five minutes before the final whistle, Tatiana Pinto went down in the penalty area, but that was not enough for a penalty. Shortly afterwards, Portugal cheered: Diana Gomez led a cross from the left side over Giuliani into the goal.
Diana Gomez is passionate about her saving equalization
Now it got really turbulent again: On the other hand, Morais saved with a great act against Severini’s header. In injury time, Ana Borges saw the yellow-red card because of foul game. Then it was over in Geneva, with a draw that the Portuguese deserves with their passionate final phase.
In the final third group game, Italy will play against Spain in Bern next Friday. Portugal is dealing with Belgium in Sion. Both games will kick off at 9 p.m.