Diana Gomes rescues Portugal dream with late equaliser to deny Italy victory | OneFootball

There was drama in Geneva as Diana Gomes struck late to salvage Portugal’s European Championship hopes. In a breathtaking conclusion to the match, Cristiana Girelli thought she had sent Italy through to the quarter-finals. Portugal piled on the pressure in the final stages, however, and equalised in the 89th minute to ensure their dreams of progress remained alive.

“We were solid, we were brave,” said the delighted Portugal coach, Francisco Neto. “We played high, pressed our opponents and played like a team in the European Championship. We’re a team with personality and ambition. It’s not easy when you’re losing, then you score, but it’s disallowed again, and then score again. I’m very proud.”

“The last words I told my players was to play, to have fun. Playing in a European Championship is a privilege. They’re friends, they want to do things for each other. As a team, they really rise to the challenge.”

There had been contrasting fortunes on the opening day for both sides. While Italy earned a hard-fought victory over Belgium, Portugal had suffered a morale-sapping defeat against Spain. This was not quite last chance saloon for them, but they had togain at least a point to avoid elimination.

It was most likely for this reason that the Portuguese manager rang the changes. They had conceded 25 goals in the past five games – a defensive record that will never bring success. Goalkeeper Patrícia Morais came in for Inês Pereira to gain her 99th cap while Ana Borges and Joana Marchão brought considerable experience into defence. They were given a significant boost with the return of Kika Nazareth for the first time since suffering an ankle injury in March. The 22-year-old playmaker was making her long-awaited return against the side she made her senior international debut against five years ago.

Italy, meanwhile, had impressed against Belgium and Andrea Soncin stuck with the same team that had served them so well. Girelli had the armband once again, making her 121st appearance for her country.

Portugal were compact throughout the first half, repelling Italy’s advances and dominated the ball without creating anything of real note. When they did break, well-drilled Italy dropped quickly to defend the space in behind and counter the speed of Diana Silva.

Le Azzurre created the best opportunities. Girelli was at the heart of the action and forced a world-class stop from Morais before turning a Manuela Giugliano cross wide.

Portugal rode their luck at times. Cecilia Salvai came so close to making her mark after missing the past three major tournaments with injury, but her header crashed off the bar. Emma Severini had a goal ruled out for offside and the Portugal goalkeeper was on hand once again to keep her team in the contest. When Girelli met Sofia Cantore’s low cross, the ball looked destined for the back of the net but Morais instinctively stuck out a foot. She turned, fist-pumping to the fans behind the goal, celebrating as if she had scored.

The second half was a quiet affair until the game burst into life with 20 minutes left. Girelli is a character that embodies women’s football in Italy and she made her mark on this competition with a spectacular curling effort that gave Morais no chance. As the tears fell in celebration, the significance of the moment was etched all over her face.

Portugal had not read the memo, however, and launched an energetic response, piling the pressure on Italy’s goal. Diana Silva thought she had levelled when she turned a rebound effort home only for a lengthy VAR check to rule it out for offside.

Portugal continued to push forward and finally got their rewards thanks to a sweetly guided finish from Gomes with a minute left on the clock. Jubilant celebrations followed as Portugal breathed fresh life into their campaign.

There was still time for Ana Borges to receive a second yellow but it mattered little as Portugal go into their final game against Belgium knowing they have the chance to reach the knockouts. Italy need a point in a tough encounter with Spain to ensure qualification.

Header image: [Photograph: Stéphane Mahé/Reuters]