Portugal 1-1 Italy: Diogo Gomes’ Late Equaliser Keeps Quarter-Final Hopes Alive
Portugal salvaged a dramatic point in the dying moments of their Euro 2025 Group B clash against Italy thanks to Diana Gomes’ 89th-minute equaliser, keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive albeit barely.
Italy had appeared to be cruising into the quarter-finals after Cristiana Girelli’s stunning curling strike broke the deadlock in the 70th minute. But with just seconds remaining, Gomes latched onto a cutback from Dolores Silva and unorthodoxly looped a shot off her heel over goalkeeper Laura Giuliani.
Match Summary
For the majority of the match, it was Italy who looked the more composed and threatening side. Girelli, their captain, led from the front and was denied twice by Portugal’s standout goalkeeper Patricia Morais before finally curling home a contender for goal of the tournament.
Portugal, meanwhile, struggled to create meaningful chances until late in the game. They had a goal disallowed for offside and struck the woodwork twice first through Diana Silva and then Carole Costa before Gomes’ late leveller.
As emotions ran high, Portugal captain Ana Borges was shown a second yellow card deep in stoppage time for a cynical foul that stopped a dangerous Italian counterattack, reducing her side to 10 players at the final whistle.
Player of the Match: Patricia Morais
On her 99th cap, Morais was in imperious form, replacing Ines Pereira after the 5-0 defeat to Spain. She made a series of crucial saves, including a brilliant late stop to deny Valentina Bergamaschi’s header that would have won the match for Italy.
Her first-half saves from Girelli including a brave close-range block kept Portugal in the game and visibly lifted the team’s morale.
What It Means
- Spain, as Group B leaders, have secured a place in the quarter-finals after this result.
- Belgium are officially eliminated.
- Italy can secure progression with a draw against Spain on Friday or if Portugal fail to beat Belgium.
- Portugal, currently third, must beat Belgium and hope Italy lose to Spain, with a six-goal swing in their favour, to qualify.
Notable Stats
- Gomes’ equaliser came after 88 minutes and 25 seconds Portugal’s only shot on target all match.
- It was the first ever draw between Portugal and Italy in 17 meetings (Italy had won 14 of the previous 16).
- This was the first draw at Euro 2025, occurring in the tournament’s 12th match.
Next Fixtures – Group B Final Round (Friday, 20:00 BST)
- Italy vs Spain – Wankdorf Stadium, Bern
- Portugal vs Belgium – Stade Tourbillon, Sion
Italy aim to top the group with a win, while Portugal chase a near-impossible path to the quarter-finals.
Ver esta publicação no Instagram
