(Football news) Portugal sealed a historic 2-1 victory over Cameroon in the final qualifying playoffs in New Zealand on Wednesday to secure a berth at this summer’s Women’s World Cup. Portugal is now set to feature in Group E at the World Cup alongside defending champions United States, Vietnam and the Netherlands, while Haiti also qualified and will be in Group D with England, Denmark and China.
The final place will be decided between Paraguay and Panama as both teams will meet on Thursday. This World Cup will be the first edition to feature 32 teams. The tournament will be held in New Zealand and Australia from July 20 to Aug. 20. Portugal secured World Cup qualification for the first time as they made a solid start at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton and went 1-0 ahead in the 22nd minute after Diana Gomes scored from a rebound following a great free-kick.
Portugal could have easily made it 2-0 before the break but Jessica Silva failed to connect with Diana Silva’s cross in the box. Diana later had a thumping effort saved by the Cameroon goalkeeper. Cameroon’s Michaela Abam had a goal ruled out for offside in the 84th minute but Ajara Nchout finally equalised five minutes later when she latched on to a pass from Monique Ngock and scored from a left-footed shot. Portugal were handed a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty in stoppage time for a handball as Carole Costa made no mistake in finding the net from the spot.
Haiti will also play at the World Cup for the first time after two goals by Melchie Dumonay helped them get a victory at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland over Chile. Midfielder Dumonay opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time with a powerful strike. Maria Rojas found the net for Chile after a goalkeeping error, but it proved to be a consolation goal as they failed to secure a second successive appearance at the World Cup. Meanwhile, Haiti qualified for the Women’s World Cup for the first time as Melchie Dumornay scored twice. Haiti will be in Group D in New Zealand and Australia, competing with England, Denmark and China.
Also read: Real Madrid come back from 2-0 down to win 2-5 at Anfield
