Football
International football
The Portugal women’s team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals for the first ever time, but it did so in dramatic circumstances. Facing Cameroon in the play-off final, Portugal took the lead in the 22nd minute after Tatiana Pinto reacted first to a free kick that had cannoned off the post. The Portuguese side created a number of chances and continued to put its African opponents under pressure throughout the game, but it was Cameroon who equalised against the run of play in the 89th minute. Not to be outdone, Portugal regained its lead in the 4th minute of injury with a cooly taken penalty from Carole Costa. The jubilant Portuguese side will head to Australia and New Zealand in July to make its World Cup debut against England, China and Denmark.
Men’s football
Portimonense has finally ended its abysmal run of form with two hard-fought 1-0 victories over Paços de Ferreira and Marítimo. The Portimão-based side had been in freefall since its last win on 6 November last year, but, barring something disastrous, its stay in the Primeira Liga will continue for another season.
World Cup football
Morocco has joined Spain and Portugal in a three-way bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Ukraine had initially been part of the bid but has subsequently pulled out, leaving the door open for the north African nation. Morocco was the surprise team at the 2022 World Cup reaching the semi-final following a 1-0 quarter-final victory over Portugal.
Motorsport
The Rallye Casinos do Algarve will be held in the spring for the first time in over 50 years. This year’s event will be held on 30 March and 1 April in the hills near Silves. Last year’s winner was local hero Ricardo Teodósio in the Hyundai i20. The 46-year-old from Guia will again be among the favourites to win his home event.
Surfing
Yolanda Hopkins has created history by becoming the European surf champion after winning the Morocco QS3000 in Taghazout. Having already won competitions in Anglet, France and Newquay, Cornwall, the surfer from Quarteira continued her fine season with victory coming from the last set of waves of the day. Her performance also earned her a wildcard entry into a round of the elite Championship Tour in Peniche, where she finished fifth, the best-ever result by a Portuguese surfer.
Tennis
Gonçalo Oliveira has won the rain-affected Loulé Open by defeating Lucas Poullain of France 6-3, 6-2. The Algarve-based player did not lose a set in the tournament and was delighted with his week’s work. “It’s the first singles title I’ve won in Portugal, so I’m very happy,” he said at the conclusion of the match.
Nuno Borges has won the GNP Insurance Open in Mexico, ending a long period without a tournament victory for Portugal. The world number 80 beat Croatian Borna Gojo 6-4, 7-6 in the final to seal the most important victory of his career. The 26-year-old, who is coached by Algarvian tennis legend Rui Machado, expressed his delight following the conclusion of the event. “At the start of the week, I never thought I could walk out of here as champion. What a great week.”
Badminton
Six-time Portuguese national champion Bernardo Atilano has crashed out of the Portugal International Badminton Championships in the first round. The 27-year-old was highly tipped to go far on home soil but lost 23-21, 12-21, 21-15 to French player Enogat Roy. Atilano commented, “I tried and gave my best, but, unfortunately, the game didn’t fall to my side.”
If you wish to publicise a sporting event, please contact our sports editor David Lugg: david@tomorrowalgarve.com
