Sport

Portugal overwhelm Football Ferns

22:07 pm on 17 February 2023

CY Bott on the ball for the Football Ferns against Portugal Photo: Photosport

The New Zealand women's football side has been trounced 5-nil by Portugal at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.

Portugal will compete in the final qualifying playoffs next week for one of the three remaining spots at the July tournament which is being jointly hosted by New Zealand and Australia.

Winger Jessica Silva opened the scoring in the 17th minute and Dolores Silva doubled Portugal's lead in the 42nd minute from the penalty spot.

Striker Ana Capeta scored twice in the second half before Tatiana Pinto wrapped up the scoring with a 79th-minute header.

Portugal, are looking to secure World Cup qualification for the first time, and will play the winners of the playoff between Cameroon and Thailand for a place at the tournament.

This year's World Cup, where the United States are defending champions, will be the first edition to feature 32 teams.

-Reuters