February 27 – Leuven – Belgium slumped to a second consecutive Nations League defeat with a 1-0 loss at the hands of Portugal.
It was manager Elísabet Gunnarsdóttir’s home debut after the Icelandic coach had almost led Belgium to a major upset against Spain on Friday – losing out 3-2. Portugal, however, spoiled the party with a mature performance.
Gunnarsdóttir maintained an attacking lineup, moving away from the conservative philosophy that her predecessor Ives Serneels had applied.
Even so, Belgium’s level dropped from their exploits against Spain and early on, Joana Marchão struck the woodwork for the visitors.
The Portuguese had drawn with European champions England in their Nations League opener, but rising star Francisca Nazareth and Ana Capeta were both injured. The pair had provided the goal and assist against the English.
Belgium responded to Marchão’s effort through Jill Janssens but her attempt flew across the face of goal and wide. The hosts lost both Sari Kees and Kassandra Missipo to injury, but Portugal’s superiority was not in doubt.
In the 50th minute, the Portuguese took the lead following a penalty conversion from defender Carole Costa.
On the hour mark, striker Jéssica Silva failed to double Portugal’s lead from an unmarked position in the box.
Ultimately Portugal prevailed through game management, technical skill and some cunning. The Belgians offered no solutions.
With no points from two matches, Belgium have proven to be the minnows in the group so far. That doesn’t bode well for the summer when they meet Spain and Portugal again in the group stages of Euro 2025 in Switzerland.
In group C’s other match, England defeated Spain 1-0 courtesy of a first-half strike from Jess Park.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1740663118labto1740663118ofdlr1740663118owedi1740663118sni@i1740663118tnuk.1740663118ardni1740663118mas1740663118