The Portugal women's Euro 2025 campaign faced a rollercoaster of emotions in their recent match against Italy, compounded by the tragic loss of Portuguese football star Diogo Jota. In a touching tribute, the team wore Jota's name on their shirts during warm-ups, honoring the Liverpool forward who, along with his brother Andre Silva, died in a car crash on July 3rd. Coach Francisco Neto revealed that Jota had been a dedicated supporter of the women's team.
The match against Italy was crucial for Portugal, who were reeling from a 5-0 defeat to Spain in their opening game. The specter of elimination loomed large as they trailed Italy 1-0 after Cristiana Girelli's stunning strike in the 70th minute. Diani Silva appeared to have equalized, celebrating with a gesture mimicking Jota's signature "gaming celebration," a tribute to the fallen star. However, after a two-minute VAR review, the goal was disallowed for a marginal offside.
Despite the setback, Portugal continued to fight. In the 89th minute, they hit the crossbar, but their persistence paid off when Diani Gomes scored from a low cross, salvaging a 1-1 draw and keeping their Euro 2025 hopes alive. Following the match, the Portugal coach said the game was a match à la Diogo Jota, dedicating the match to him and his family.
Portugal's road to the Euro 2025 finals in Switzerland has been marked by both triumph and adversity. They secured their place in the tournament after a successful qualification stage, finishing top of their group in the UEFA Nations League. Their journey included a 3-0 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a 2-0 victory over Malta, and two wins against Northern Ireland.
Looking ahead, Portugal faces a challenging path in Group B of the Euro 2025, alongside Spain, Italy, and Belgium. To progress to the knockout stages, they may need to beat Belgium and hope Spain defeats Italy. Portugal will face Spain on July 3rd, Italy on July 7th, and Belgium on July 11th.
The team's resilience and determination, displayed against Italy, reflect their commitment to honoring Diogo Jota's memory and making a mark at the Women's Euro 2025.
