“It is the happiest day of our lives. I haven’t even been able to cry yet, we’re so happy,” Carole Costa, scorer of the game’s decisive goal, told Portuguese channel 11.
The reactions to the victory were not long in coming and came from the highest spheres of the country, both political and sporting.
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“Historical! Portugal beat Cameroon and guarantee an unprecedented qualification for the Women’s World Cup. Congratulations on the enormous conquest!” Wrote the Prime Minister of PortugalAntónio Costa, on his Twitter profile.
For his part, The country’s president, the conservative Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, announced that he will receive the Portuguese team at the Belém Palace, seat of the Presidency.
Even the men’s team captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, tweeted “congratulations on this historic qualification.”
HISTORICAL ACHIEVEMENT IN A TENSE MATCH
Portugal’s presence in the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand was achieved after a tense game that was resolved in extra time.
At the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton (New Zealand), the portuguese dominated and they took the lead in the 22nd minute, when Diana Gomes took advantage of a rebound from a Kika Nazareth free kick that hit the post.
The “navigators” continued to dominate a duel where speed was the great protagonistbut they were unable to convert their numerous chances.
Meanwhile, they had several moments of panic, sincee VAR had to intervene to analyze possible red cards, but decided in favor of the Portuguese team.
In the epilogue of the duel, Cameroon, until then with few chances, gave the first sign of danger in the 83rd minute, but the goal was disallowed, and they got the equalizer in the 89th minute, through Nchout.
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The Portuguese team knew how to react to the goal and went on the attack again thanks to the speed of their players, and in the 94th minute, Andreia Jacinto’s shot was saved by the arm of a Cameroonian defense.
In the penalty, Carole Costa showed calm and transformed it, making history for her country.
PORTUGAL FACES ITS GREATEST CHALLENGE
In his first World Cup, the Portuguese team will face its biggest challenge so far, as it will be in the feared group E, with Vietnam and the powerful combination of the United States and the Netherlands, defending champion and runner-up respectively.
The Portuguese have already faced the Dutch at Euro 2022 in England, where, despite the 3-2 defeat, they put on a display marked by a combative character.
The entrance Portugal, elated by the historic achievement of its women’s team was first published on newspaper TODAY.
