Portugal 1–1 Italy: Late Equaliser Keeps Portuguese Hopes Alive
In a dramatic Group B clash at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 in Geneva, Portugal rescued a valuable point with a late equaliser from Diana Gomes, denying Italy victory and keeping their own quarter-final hopes alive.
🇮🇹 Italy Dominates Early, Girelli Scores Spectacular Opening Goal
Italy controlled the first half with poise and precision, pressing Portugal relentlessly. Their pressure paid off in the 70th minute, when veteran striker Cristiana Girelli, making her 121st appearance, unleashed a stunning 20-yard curling effort into the top corner—her trademark composure and timing on full display .
Girelli’s goal threatened to wrap up the match and secure Italy’s progression. However, Portugal refused to wilt under pressure.
🇵🇹 Late Fightback: Gomes Levels in the 89th Minute
Portugal’s response built slowly, replacing key personnel in the second half. A renewed sense of purpose galvanized them, and in stoppage time, a well-worked corner routine provided the breakthrough. Diana Gomes, following up on a header that hit the bar, headed it home in the 89th minute, to roar celebrations from the home support .
🔴 Drama Deepens: Borges Sent Off
Just when Italy looked to retake control, tensions flared late on. Portugal’s Ana Borges received a second yellow card deep in stoppage time after a rash tackle, reducing her side to ten. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Portugal held firm until the final whistle .
🔍 Tactical Takeaways
Italy’s first-half dominance reflected tactical superiority—solid midfield control, good width, and clinical finishing.
Portugal’s resilience underscored their adaptability. The late substitutions and shift in tempo paid off spectacularly.
Mental fortitude was key—Portugal showed impressive composure to push for a late equaliser under pressure.
🎯 Implications for the Group
This draw leaves Italy comfortably placed for qualification, though their final group match against Spain remains crucial. Meanwhile, Portugal must now beat Belgium in their final fixture to keep their tournament dream alive .
🔢 Group B Standings Snapshot
A win for Portugal would boost them toward second place behind Spain, and potentially create a three-way tie that favors them on goal difference.
🗣️ Coach & Player Reactions
Portugal’s coach, Francisco Neto, praised his team’s unity and fighting spirit, highlighting the mental strength it took to keep pressing late. Italy’s camp was proud of their opening performance but admitted to a lapse in concentration at the end.
🔜 Looking Ahead
Portugal vs Belgium: A must-win match where Portugal will need to replicate late-game energy from this fixture.
Italy vs Spain: A high-stakes battle, as Spain’s 6-2 demolition of Belgium puts them at the top of Group B .
