Ana Capeta at the double as Portugal women thrash Slovakia 4-0 in World Cup qualifier | OneFootball

The female Seleção followed up their 2-0 victory over Finland on Tuesday with another commanding display to beat Slovakia 4-0 and take control of their World Cup 2027 qualifying group.

The match also saw Portugal debuts for midfielders Pauleta and Nádia Bravo.

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A big crowd on a sunny Saturday afternoon in Barcelos were treated to a sparkling display by the Navegadoras. Ana Capeta, who has recently moved to Juventus and has started well at the Italian giants, was the standout player.

Portugal broke the deadlock in the 19th minute with a team goal that was brilliant in its simplicity. Andreia Jacinto threaded a delightful pass into the path of flying left-back Lúcia Alves, who advanced forward and crossed low for the sliding Capeta to score.

The Seleção doubled their lead shortly before half time with another well-worked goal. Andreia Jacinto was again involved, passing to Catarina Amado whose cross was superbly turned into the net by Capeta with a deft backheel finish.

In the second half Capeta turned provider, laying on a perfect assist for Carolina Santiago to make it 3-0. The cherry on the cake was provided by Jéssica Silva, the veteran taking advantage of a loose back pass to run clean through on goal and beat the Slovakian goalkeeper with a clinical finish.

Francisco Neto, Portugal coach:

“It was very important to start the campaign well, with two home games against the strongest teams in the group. We have six points and six goals and haven’t conceded one. We have been dominant. We managed to stamp our authority in the two games, which is very positive.

“In one month’s time we’ve got two away games [against Latvia and Slovakia], which is always a complicated mission.”