Women’s Euros: Portugal held, Germany, Spain off to a flier

LEIGH, July 9

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Portugal came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Switzerland thanks to an inspired second-half comeback in their opening Group C match at the women’s European Championship today.

Switzerland had the perfect start when Coumba Sow pounced on a poor defensive clearance in the second minute to fire home from outside the box, leaving keeper Ines Pereira scratching her head.

The Swiss struck again three minutes later when defender Rahel Kiwic headed home at the far post from a free kick to leave Portugal in deep trouble.

The Portuguese were only able to halve the deficit shortly before the hour mark when Diana Gomes saw her header from a corner saved but followed up to bundle it over the line.

Portugal then abandoned their slow possession game and went direct, levelling the tie in the 65th minute with Tatiano Pinto sending in a sublime cross from the right that was turned in by Jessica Silva.

4-star performances

Germany and Spain enjoyed four-goal wins in their opening matches on Friday ahead of their group clash.

Lina Magull, Lea Schuller, Lena Lattwein and Alexandra Popp scored as Germany routed Denmark 4-0 in Brentford in west London at the start of its bid for a record-extending ninth European title. Bidding for a first major women’s title without injured world player of the year Alexia Putellas, Spain recovered from conceding after 49 seconds to beat Finland 4-1 in Milton Keynes. — Agencies