Men’s Rugby
Portugal have defeated the USA 46-20 in a World Cup warm-up match at the Estádio Algarve near Faro. After repelling some early USA pressure, the first half proved to be a very tight affair, with a late try giving the home side a somewhat flattering 22-13 lead. The two sides traded early tries in the second half before four unanswered scores from Portugal gave them a comfortable victory and the ideal platform for their opening world cup match against Wales on 16 September.
Motorcycling
The FIM Superbike World Championship will once again return to the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve near Portimão. The three-day event will see many of the world’s best motorcyclists battle it out at a circuit renowned for its thrills and spills. Current world champion Alvaro Bautista has a commanding lead in the championship. The Spaniard will be looking to repeat his victory in 2022, which saw the top five riders separated by just 8.4 seconds.
Tickets can be purchased via the World Superbike website: www.worldsbk.com/en/event/POR/2023
Cycling
The Algarve town of Loulé has hosted the finish of stage 3 at the Volta a Portugal (Tour of Portugal). This is the first time that the race has visited the region since 2018. The 191.8 km stage was won by Portuguese cyclist João Matias in a bunch sprint.
FIFA Women’s World Cup Football
Despite a valiant effort, Portugal failed to progress from the group stages at their first-ever World Cup Finals in Australia and New Zealand. Their opening match against the Netherlands was a cagey affair, with a solitary goal from Dutch defender Stefanie van der Gragt separating the sides. Better things were to come in their second game against fellow World Cup debutants Vietnam. First-half goals from Telma Encarnação and Kika Nazareth gave Portugal their first-ever World Cup win.
Needing an unlikely victory against four-time winners USA to progress to the knockout stages, they came within the width of the post of causing one of the all-time great upsets as Ana Capeta struck the upright in the 91st minute before the game ended 0-0. The Portuguese women returned home knowing that they have made huge strides in promoting the game in a country that has previously given it little publicity.
Surfing
Yolanda Hopkins has won the Boardmasters surf championships in Newquay, Cornwall. It was a dominant display from the Algarvian athlete after she won all her heats before progressing on to beat British surfer Alys Barton in the final. Cornwall is proving to be a happy hunting ground for Hopkins as her victory sees her win the title for the third time in five years.
Football
The Pine Cliffs Resort in Olhos de Água has announced the opening of an Elite Football Centre that focuses primarily on professional football teams. The 72-hectare centre of excellence features a full-sized pitch, a half-pitch and a 150 m² gymnasium, making it an ideal pre-season training platform. Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo visited the resort in July with his Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr. The team stayed for three weeks before taking on Benfica, a match that finished 4-1 to the current Primeira Liga champions.
International under-19 and under-21 football
The Portugal under-19 team was beaten 1-0 by Italy in the final of the UEFA under-19 Championships. After four straight victories (including a 5-1 demolition of Italy in the group stage), they fell short in a match of very few chances.
The Portugal under-21 side has crashed out in the quarter-finals to eventual champions England. Portugal had their chances to win the game, but an Anthony Gordon strike in the 34th minute was enough to separate the teams. England beat Spain 1-0 in the final to become UEFA under-21 European champions.
International men’s football
Portugal will take on Luxembourg in a UEFA Euro qualifier at the Estádio Algarve on 11 September. The match is a repeat of the World Cup qualifier in October 2021 that saw Portugal beat the minnows 5-0 thanks to a hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo. After four wins from their opening four matches, fans will be hoping for another five-star performance against a side ranked number 89 in the world.
Algarve football
The two Algarvian Primeira Liga teams have suffered a nightmare start to their league campaign. Portimão side Portimonense were hammered 5-0 away to Gil Vincente, whilst Faro-based Farense fared little better, losing 3-0 at home to last year’s surprise package Casa Pia. Both teams are still in transition as they look to bolster their squads, but, on this evidence, it could be a tough season ahead for the Algarve sides.
