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Scotland ran out of coach Shelley Kerr on the touchline
Scotland suffered another major blow to their hopes of qualifying for the Women’s Euro 2022 after Portugal inflicted a second consecutive defeat in Lisbon.
Both teams were unable to make the most of their first-half opportunities before the static defense allowed Ana Borges to score an unexpected goal in the second half.
The Scots, without self-isolating head coach Shelley Kerr, were unable to assert their late pressure.
Scotland is third, four points behind Portugal and Finland.
The Finns, who beat Scotland 1-0 last month, will host Kerr’s side in what is a must-see in Group E on Tuesday.
- Reaction and how it happened
It was a game of great importance for the Scots, but the preparation was far from ideal, as boss Kerr told him on Monday that he had to isolate himself after a Covid-19 outbreak with the U21 men’s team.
Still, the Scots had the majority of possession early in the game, and should have made their dominance count as Jen Beattie was unable to deflect a header from close range before Diana Silva parried an effort on the other end by volleying. directly to Lee. Alexander from the edge of the area.
Erin Cuthbert had a chance to test Patricia Morais in goal for Portugal after a great ability to get into the box, but the Chelsea star launched her effort off the near post before Kim Little snuggled in after a good curve in the area. .
Portugal began to dominate towards the end of the first half, and goalkeeper Alexander sighed in relief as he poured in an effort from Silva before putting down a rebounding effort from Claudia Neto.
The hosts started the second half with their front foot. Neto forced Alexander to save before Scotland began to mount the pressure when a Kirsty Hanson cross from the left nearly deflected from Silvia Rebelo.
However, it would be the hosts who opened the scoring, as the Scots ‘static defense allowed Tatiana Pinto to place a perfectly timed ball behind the visitors’ baseline to Borges, who finished low below sprawling Alexander.
The Scots responded well and a good build in the area gave Hanson a sight on goal, but his shot was well stopped by Morais before Martha Thomas forced the Portugal goalkeeper to make another save from close range.
Beattie was again unable to deflect a header on goal in the final stages, as the last real start went to Cuthbert, whose deflected shot was well controlled by Morias.
Scotland, who have qualified for the last two major tournaments, now have everything to do with three matches remaining if they want to score a hat-trick.
Whats Next?
Scotland has everything to do in their quest to qualify for Euro 2022 when they host Group E leaders Finland at Easter Road on Tuesday (19:30 GMT).
Source: bbc.com
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