da bwin： Portugal qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals for the first time. But who is in their World Cup squad?
da betsson： The Portugal national women's team will be playing in their first-ever FIFA World Cup. It is a momentous occasion for the European nation who sealed their berth for the marquee international tournament via the UEFA qualification playoffs.
Francisco Neto's troops finished second in Group H behind pool champions Germany and had to play two rounds of playoffs.
When the ranking of second-placed teams was done, Portugal found themselves in the seventh position which meant they had to win two more matches to realise their dream of World Cup participation.
In round 1, they defeated Belgium 2-1 with Fatima Pinto scoring in the 89th minute to fire her team to the next round. In round 2, they were pitched against Iceland. After a fierce battle of 90 minutes, the two teams were inseparable as they were locked at 1-1. However, in extra time, the Selecacao das Quinas shifted gears and scored four to progress to the World Cup Intercontinental Play-off against Cameroon.
Portugal were valiant and Carole Costa's 94th-minute winner knocked out the Cameroon “Lionesses” who reached the round of 16 at the last two World Cups to seal their tickets to Australia & New Zealand.
They have been placed in Group E along with the Netherlands, Vietnam and United States.
Who made it to Neto's 23-player World Cup squad? GOAL takes a look…
Getty ImagesGOALKEEPERS
Patricia Morais might be the first-choice keeper for Portugal in the World Cup. She was trusted in most matches in the qualifying stage and it will not be surprising if she continues to hold fort in the finals as well.
However, 24-year-old Ines Pereira is a sound back-up, and if Neto wants to mix and match then the Servette shot-stopper might stand between the sticks as well.
Meanwhile, Rute Costa is likely to be the third-choice keeper and if there are any injuries to the first-two choices, she will be promoted up the pecking order.
Ines PereiraServettePatricia MoraisBragaRute CostaBenficaAdvertisementGetty ImagesDEFENDERS
Neto likes to set his team up with a four-man backline. Even when they were facing a formidable German side during the qualifiers he stuck to a 4-3-3 formation instead of opting for more bodies in the backline.
Carole Costa and Diana Gomes are likely to be the first-choice centre-backs as they are the perfect blend of experience and youth. Silvia Rebelo is another option at the heart of defence as the Benfica defender boasts of having more than 120 international caps to her name and is an assuring presence in the backline.
Ana Borges has established herself as a right-back and her constant support in attack will be a lethal weapon for Portugal. Meanwhile, Joana Marchao is likely to slot in at left-back but faces stiff competition from Catarina Amado, the 23-year-old Benfica defender.
Joana MarchaoParmaLucia AlvesBenficaCarole CostaBenficaAna BorgesSporting CPAna SeicaBenficaDiana GomesSevillaSilvia RebeloBenficaCatarina AmadoBenficaGettyMIDFIELDERS
Portugal have plenty of quality in midfield with an experienced campaigner in Dolores Silva dictating proceedings.
She is the linchpin in the Portuguese side and should be one of the first names on the team sheet. Fatima Pinto has also grown in this role and is a solid alternative to Silva.
Meanwhile, Andreia Norton and Tatiana Pinto should flank Silva on the right and left respectively. Vanessa Marques is another quality option in the ranks who can be called upon to influence the game in the latter stages.
Dolores SilvaBragaFatima PintoAlavesAndreia NortonBenficaAndreia JacintoReal SociedadTatiana PintoLevanteVanessa marquesBragaAna RuteBragaGetty ImagesFORWARDS
Neto likes to shuffle his pack when it comes to the forwards. However, Diana Silva and Jessica Silva should be the two wingers on the right and left respectively.
Both players have close to 100 international caps and are the two most trusted lieutenants of the coach.
Whereas, Ana Capeta and Kika Nazareth might slot in as the centre forward or a false nine depending on the tactics.
Carolina Mendes is another veteran who provides depth to the squad and can be handy againt tired legs in the final quarter of matches.
Diana SilvaSporting CPAna CapetaSporting CPKelsey AraujoLe HavreJessica SilvaBenficaCarolina MendesBragaTelma EncarnacaoMaritimoKika NazarethBenfica