Portugal have named an ambitious starting line-up for their opening match at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup against defending champions North Korea on Monday.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 13:00, with Portugal facing one of the most demanding possible tests at the start of their campaign.
Portugal’s coach has confirmed the team he believes can begin the tournament positively, selecting a starting XI that includes players from across the squad.
Nair Pina wears number one, while Erica Cancelinha, Carolina Simoes, Ines Meninas and Francisca Castro make up the defensive line in the official team announcement.
Joana Valente, Marta Gago and Mafalda Mariano are listed in midfield, with the trio carrying numbers six, seven and 10 respectively.
Neide Guedes, Carolina Santiago and Maisa Correia complete Portugal’s starting line-up. Santiago is listed as number 11, Guedes wears 16 and Correia wears nine.
The full Portugal team is:
Nair Pina (1) – Erica Cancelinha (4), Carolina Simoes (18), Ines Meninas (3), Francisca Castro (5) – Joana Valente (6), Marta Gago (7), Mafalda Mariano (10) – Neide Guedes (16), Carolina Santiago (11), Maisa Correia (9).
Portugal’s first assignment places them immediately up against the reigning champions, North Korea, making the opening fixture a significant challenge for the team.
The Portuguese side will be aiming to make a strong start when the competition begins for them on Monday afternoon. The confirmed line-up represents the coach’s first selection of the tournament and provides the official team details ahead of the 13:00 kick-off.
With the starting players now announced, Portugal’s focus turns to their opening encounter with North Korea and the opportunity to launch their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign with a positive result.