Portugal name ambitious XI for U20 Women’s World Cup opener against North Korea

Portugal will begin their U20 Women’s World Cup campaign against defending champions North Korea on Monday, with kick-off scheduled for 13:00.

The Portuguese side face a major test in their opening match, but their coach has selected an ambitious starting XI for the meeting. The lineup is intended to give Portugal the strongest possible start to their tournament.

Nair Pina starts in goal, with Erica Cancelinha, Carolina Simoes, Ines Meninas and Francisca Castro named in the defensive unit.

Joana Valente, Marta Gago and Mafalda Mariano form the midfield, while Neide Guedes, Carolina Santiago and Maisa Correia are selected in the attacking positions.

The confirmed Portugal team is:

Nair Pina (1)

Erica Cancelinha (4), Carolina Simoes (18), Ines Meninas (3), Francisca Castro (5)

Joana Valente (6), Marta Gago (7), Mafalda Mariano (10)

Neide Guedes (16), Carolina Santiago (11), Maisa Correia (9)

Portugal’s first assignment is a demanding one, with North Korea arriving as the reigning champions. That makes the opening fixture a significant early challenge for the Portuguese team, who will be aiming to launch their competition positively.

The starting lineup shows a clear balance across the team, with four defenders, three midfielders and three attacking players named in the official selection. Nair Pina is the only goalkeeper listed, while the remaining players have been selected across the defensive, midfield and forward lines.

The match will represent Portugal’s first appearance in this edition of the U20 Women’s World Cup. Their opponents, North Korea, provide the test from the outset, ensuring that the Portuguese side will be confronted by one of the strongest teams in the competition immediately.

With the team now confirmed, attention turns to the 13:00 kick-off on Monday. Portugal’s selected players will be tasked with beginning the tournament against the reigning champions, while the coaching staff will hope the ambitious starting XI can produce the ideal opening result.

The official team contains the following squad numbers: Pina wears number one, Cancelinha number four, Simoes number 18, Meninas number three and Castro number five. Valente is number six, Gago number seven and Mariano number 10. Guedes wears 16, Santiago 11 and Correia nine.

Portugal therefore enter their campaign with their starting lineup settled and their first opponent identified: North Korea, the defending champions.