Portugal coach heaps praise on Malta growth in women’s football

The Portuguese national team will be eyeing a second straight win in this Women’s Euro 2025 qualifications when they face Malta on Tuesday, after they beat Bosnia-Herzegovina last Friday.

Ranked 21st in the world, Portugal are at the back of a memorable World Cup debut in 2023 where they managed to beat Vietnam while snatching a point from the United States.

They have also played in both the 2017 and 2021 European Championships, leaving a good impression of themselves as the women’s game continues to grow in Portugal.

Their League A campaign in the Nations League did leave a sour taste for the Portuguese side, having secured just three points and therefore these European qualifications will be a chance to bounce back and continue to generate more interest from their home public.

In all major tournaments, they have been guided by current coach Francisco Neto who has been a catalyst for Portugal’s growth at international level.

Portugal has become an established side in European football in recent years, therefore Neto understands Malta’s progress and the moment that finds itself in.

“I think the Maltese players are very technical and some of them already play abroad,” Neto told a news conference.

“Obviously, the exportation of players helps in the development of the women’s game and in addition to that, having passionate and committed players helps as well and that is why we respect the Maltese side because they are doing a good job.”

Player growth

Having played in three of the last four major tournaments in women’s football, Neto said that these experiences have played a crucial role in helping his players grow and mature.

Also, he pointed out that having more time with the players, especially during the training camps that lead to both the Euros and the World Cup, allows him to be more in sync with the players which eventually helps the team produce positive results.

Asked about Malta, Neto admitted that he knows the Malta coach and therefore he expects a very organised side that can create problems if they are given space and opportunity.

“They are organised and like to play football as they showed in League C,” he said.

“Moreover, they are in a good moment which is reflected in their draw against Northern
Ireland in their first match. I must compliment their coach because she is doing a really great job with Malta.”

At club level, the Portuguese game is starting to make a name for itself too with Benfica’s solid performances in this season’s Women’s Champions League grabbing the headlines.

One of Portugal’s key players who plies her trade in the domestic league is captain Ana Borges, formerly of Chelsea.

She said that Portugal was in Malta’s position for a long time and that is why they cannot underestimate Tesse’s side as all the nations across Europe have plenty of room for improvement.