Portugal thrashed by Spain in qualifying for UEFA European Under-19
ANs Portuguese, defeated by the Czech Republic (2-1) in the previous round of group 6 of Liga A, suffered a heavy but justified setback, failing to respond to the greater individual and collective quality of the opponent.
At half-time, after a devastating first half, Spain had already built the final result, with goals from Silvia Lloris (two minutes), Clara Pinedo (31), Mirari Uria (34) and Andrea Medina (41).
Portugal, now fourth and last in the group, with no points, ends this first qualifying phase on Monday, at Estádio Algarve, against Slovakia, third, also without points.
The Portuguese are forced to win to move on: the top three of the group – which is still in the Czech Republic – will qualify for the second round of qualifying, while the fourth and last classified is relegated to League B.
At Municipal de Albufeira, Spain easily built a voluminous result, opening the scoring after two minutes, by central Silvia Lloris, who headed in after a corner.
Portugal turned to defense throughout the first half, with no response from the Spanish ascendant and without disturbing the last opponent’s stronghold.
In the last quarter of an hour of the first half, Spain sealed the final result with goals from Clara Pinedo (31) and Mirari Uria (34), after two good collective plays, and Andrea Medina (41), in a strong ‘shot’ from outside of the area.
In the second half, Portugal came in more moved and approached the Spanish goal, with Inês Oliveira heading over in the most dangerous move (55).
Spain continued to maintain their dominance, but put a brake on the strong dynamic imposed until half-time and had fewer opportunities, with the highlight being a shot from Mirari Uria, headed over, with only Catarina Potra ahead (77).