Portugal’s women’s handball team will not be participating in the European Championship. Their qualification hopes were dashed after a 32-24 defeat to Iceland in Hafnarfjrour. The loss occurred in the final match of Group 4 qualifying.
Qualification Hopes Dashed in Iceland
The Portuguese team needed at least a draw to finish as one of the four best third-placed teams in the group stage. This would have secured their place at the European Championship. The tournament is scheduled to take place from December 3 to 20.
However, Iceland proved too strong, leading 15-12 at halftime. The final score confirmed Portugal’s failure to qualify.
Portugal finished in fourth and last position in Group 4.
Teams That Qualified
Montenegro and the Faroe Islands secured their qualification from Group 4. They will join other nations in the final phase of the European Championship.
The European Championship will be jointly hosted by Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Turkey.
Portugal’s Starting Lineup
The starting seven for Portugal in the decisive match against Iceland were: Jéssica Ferreira, Carolina Monteiro, Carmen Figueiredo, Constança Sequeira, Luciana Rebelo, Neide Duarte and Rita Campos.
Portugal will miss out on the European Championship, after failing to secure the necessary result against Iceland.