Striker Jéssica Silva (Benfica) has no doubts: «It is the most important game of our lives», she says, about the intercontinental play-off for qualifying for the 2023 World Cup, against Thailand or Cameroon.
«We’ve had many important games, but this is the biggest competition and it’s what we’ve always dreamed of», he said, quoted by the platforms of the Portuguese Football Federation.
The National Team is already in New Zealand, on an internship, while waiting for the definition of the opponent. «Whoever comes, we know that the game has 90 minutes and we will do everything to win. We don’t want to let this opportunity slip away», emphasizes Jessica.
Remember that the team has not been able to work on the pitch due to bad weather in the Hamilton area, caused by a cyclone. «We already miss training on a pitch…», laments Jessica.
Meanwhile, Tatiana Pinto, Fátima Pinto, Joana Marchão and Inês Pereira have already joined the group – their flights had been successively postponed due to the aforementioned cyclone. Andreia Jacinto is expected on Wednesday. «We need our colleagues to feel complete», emphasizes Jessica.
On Friday there is a friendly against New Zealand. The play-off is scheduled for February 22nd. The opponent will be known on Saturday, when Thailand and Cameroon face each other. Portugal is trying to reach a World Cup for the first time in its history. The race will take place in Australia and New Zealand, from July 20 to August 20, 2023.
