Portugal’s women routed by Spain in Euro 2025 opener
Portugal’s women’s national team, known as the Navegadoras, seek to advance past the group stage for the first time in a major tournament.
Portugal’s hopes of making history at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 suffered a major setback on Thursday, as the Navegadoras fell 5–0 to tournament favourites Spain in their opening Group B match at Stadion Wankdorf in Bern.
The game began with a minute of silence in memory of Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who died earlier that day in a tragic car crash in Spain.
But what followed on the pitch was a sobering reminder of the gap that still exists between Portugal and Europe’s elite.
Spain struck early, with Esther Gonzalez scoring just 87 seconds into the match. Vicky Lopez, Alexia Putellas, Gonzalez again, and Cristina Martin-Prieto completed the rout, exposing Portugal’s defensive vulnerabilities throughout.
The loss is a heavy blow to a Portuguese side hoping to reach the knockout stages for the first time.
With Italy and Belgium still to come, Portugal faces a steep uphill climb to stay in the tournament.
Head coach Francisco Neto must now rally his squad for a crucial response.
The tournament begins on July 2 in Thun and concludes on July 27 in Basel.
Matches will be held across eight Swiss cities and streamed via UEFA.tv and regional broadcasters.
A Team with Rising Ambition
Portugal’s flawless qualifying campaign, 10 matches, zero defeats, helped fuel optimism.
Yet recent struggles in the UEFA Nations League, including four consecutive losses and a 20–3 goal differential, cast doubts on the team’s ability to compete with Europe’s elite.
Those setbacks coincided with injuries to key players: Barcelona star Kika Nazareth, Benfica full-back Lúcia Alves, and Gotham FC forward Jéssica Silva.
All are on the squad, but their match fitness remains uncertain.
Drawn into Group B alongside heavyweights Spain, Italy, and Belgium, Portugal faces a tough path.
But after appearances at the 2017 and 2022 Euros and their debut at the 2023 World Cup, the team feels it is ready for more than just participation.
Still, expectations remain high.
The Swiss setting, home to a large Portuguese community, offers a symbolic stage for what could be a historic run.
Francisco Neto: A Decade at the Helm
At just 43, Francisco Neto is one of the longest-serving national coaches in Europe.
Since taking charge in 2014, he has guided Portugal from 43rd to 22nd in the FIFA rankings, earning praise for building a stable core and integrating emerging talent.
Yet, with recent results raising questions, Euro 2025 may mark a turning point.
“The development of women’s football in Portugal is much more than the Nations League,” Neto warned, suggesting broader ambitions remain intact.
Spotlight on Kika Nazareth and Andreia Jacinto
Kika Nazareth, still recovering from a major injury, remains a symbol of this new era.
Her breakout performances for Benfica and Barcelona, and her poetic resilience, have inspired a new generation.
Even if not fully fit, her presence is expected to boost team morale.
Another key figure is Andreia Jacinto, the 23-year-old midfielder from Real Sociedad.
With 52 caps already, her tactical intelligence and composure make her the “Swiss watch” of the squad—fitting for a tournament held in Switzerland.
Projected Line-Up (3-5-2)
Goalkeeper: Inês Pereira (or Patrícia Morais)
Defenders: Ana Borges, Carole Costa, Diana Gomes
Midfielders: Catarina Amado, Andreia Jacinto, Tatiana Pinto, Joana Marchão
Attacking Midfield: Andreia Norton (or Kika Nazareth)
Forwards: Jéssica Silva, Diana Silva