Page 9 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No10 2020/21

Scotland 0
Portugal 2 (Capeta 27, F.Pinto 90)
Scotland ended their EURO 2022 Qualification campaign with a disappointing 2-0 defeat to
Portugal.
A first half goal along with a last gasp strike in injury time produced a scoreline which
gave an unfair reflection of a match which Scotland dominated largely, but were ultimately
unable to find the back of the net.
In surreal circumstances, Scotland stepped out in Cyprus to face Portugal in what was
classified as a home match. The game was due to be played at Easter Road but the venue was
changed due to current UK travel restrictions.
It was a special occasion for both Jenna Fife and Sam Kerr who made their first
competitive starts for Scotland.
Scotland began brightly and Erin Cuthbert carved out the first goalscoring opportunity
but headed over the bar. After 16 minutes, Claire Emslie combined with her strike partner when
she curled a cross in the box and Martha Thomas forced the Portugal goalkeeper into a good stop.
Scotland were looking dangerous and moments later, Sam Kerr did well to find
Cuthbert in the box who produced a strong shot but once again Patricia Morais was equal to the
effort.
Despite their dominance they found themselves behind with nearly half an hour on the
clock. Jenna Fife looked to clear the ball upfield but Capeta was sprightly and able to block the
kick, the ball rebounding despairingly into the back of Scotland's net.
Scotland went in at the break 1-0 down but were close to levelling on the stroke of half
time when a clever flick from Martha Thomas trickled wide of the target.
The second half began quietly but Scotland remained in the ascendancy, dominating
possession but found themselves unable to create the number of scoring chances that were
presented in the first period.
Scotland pushed hard for an equaliser as the half wore on, with Thomas and Jen Beattie
coming closest, but the Portugal defence remained firm.
With three minutes added on, Portugal doubled their lead with a sucker punch after 92
minutes; a rare attack saw Fatima Pinto blast the ball into the back of the net, sealing the victory
for the visitors.
The result ends a disappointing campaign for Scotland with all eyes now turning to the
World Cup Qualifying draw at the end of April ahead of the campaign beginning in September.
Prior to that there is an international window in June.
Scotland: Jenna Fife, Lisa Evans, Emma Mitchell, Rachel Corsie, Jennifer Beattie, Samantha
Kerr (sub Kirsty Hanson 74mins), Lucy Graham, Caroline Weir, Claire Emslie, Martha
Thomas, Erin Cuthbert. Subs not used: Lee Alexander, Megan Cunningham, Rachel
McLauchlan, Rachael Boyle, Zoe Ness, Jane Ross, Lisa Robertson, Sophie Howard, Natalie
Ross, Nicola Docherty, Lizzie Arnot.
Portugal: Patricia Morais, Ana Borges, Joana Marchao, Silvia Rebelo, Carole Costa, Dolores
Silva, Fatima Pinto, Andreia Norton (sub Andreia Jacinto 76mins), Ana Capeta (sub Diana
Silva 55mins), Jessica Silva (sub
Telma Encarnacao 90mins), GROUP E P W D L F A Pts GD
Vanessa Marques (sub Tatiana
Pinton 45mins). Subs not used: Ines FINLAND 8 7 1 0 24 2 22 0
Pereira, Rute Costa, Monica PORTUGAL 8 6 1 1 10 2 19
Mendes, Alicia Correia, Claudia SCOTLAND 8 4 0 4 26 5 12 0
Neto, Carolina Mendes, Diana ALBANIA 8 2 0 6 7 21 6 0
Gomes, Catarina Amado.
CYPRUS 8 0 0 8 0 37 0 0
Issue no. 10 - 4 March 2021 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk