Carole Costa secured the lead for the home team in the 28th minute, while in the first half stoppage time, Gloria Slišković scored an own goal, making it 2-0. Diana Silva sealed the final score of 3-0 in the 62nd minute.
Coach Selver Hodžić commented the match: "We played against a very good team, fast and technically skilled. Their players compete in strong national leagues. We can't criticize our girls; they fought hard, and this match represents a great experience for them. They gave their best against a team that is much higher ranked than us. The players who came off the bench also put in a lot of effort, and the atmosphere at the stadium was excellent. We must look forward and focus on the upcoming challenges."
He also added: "We need to regenerate the team ahead of the match with Northern Ireland. Some players suffered injuries tonight, so we'll try to recover them. We'll use this period until Tuesday to analyze the opponent and our game as well, but if we maintain this energy and approach, I believe we have realistic chances to succeed."
In the second match of the group, Northern Ireland and Malta drew 0-0 in Belfast. The second round is scheduled for April 9th. BiH will face Northern Ireland at 15:30 at the FFBiH Training Center in Zenica, while Malta will play against Portugal at 18:30.
Portugal vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina 3:0 (2:0 HT)
Stadium: Dr. Magalhães Pessoa, Leiria
Referee: Eleni Antoniou (Greece)
Goals: 1:0 Costa (28'), 2:0 Slišković (45'+4 OG), Di. Silva (62')
Yellow cards: Gačanica, Kršo, M. Hasanbegović (BiH)
Portugal lineup: Patricia Morais, Ana Borges, Diana Gomes, Carole Costa, Joana Marchao, Andreia Jacinto (72' Andreia Norton), Lucia Alves, Tatiana Pinto (72' Andreia Faria), Francisca Nazareth (72' Dolores Silva), Jessica Silva (84' Carolina Mendes), Ana Capeta (61' Diana Silva). Coach: Francisco Neto.
Bosnia and Herzegovina lineup: Envera Hasanbegović, Ena Šabanagić, Melisa Hasanbegović, Gloria Slišković, Amela Kršo (68' Sofija Krajšumović), Marija Aleksić, Marija Ana Milinković, Aida Hadžić (88' Emma Veletanlić), Minela Gačanica (68' Alma Krajnić), Maja Jelčić (56' Chloe Japić), Emina Ekić (88' Elma Husić). Coach: Selver Hodžić.
Photo: Portuguese Football Federation
