Ajit Karn
FIFA Women’s World Cup:Carole Costa scored the game-winning penalty kick in the 94th minute to give Portugal a 2-1 victory over Cameroon at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand, in the Group A final.
Midway through the first half, Portugal took the lead on a set piece when defender Diana Gomes scored from close range after Kika’s free kick hit the post.
Kika Nazareth’s header and Andreia Norton’s long-range effort gave Portugal two more opportunities to score, but they were unsuccessful.
Cameroon levelled the match in the 89th minute when Ajara Nchout Njoya scored with a low shot from the edge of the penalty area to make it 1-1. It appeared that Portugal’s missed opportunities would prove costly.
This is what World Cup qualification looks like! 🇵🇹
Watch the full highlights: https://t.co/GH468XdFbT@selecaoportugal | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/d6bZsJiXG1
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) February 22, 2023
Estelle Johnson of Cameroon committed a handball near the end of regulation, giving Portugal a golden opportunity to win the match after they were awarded a penalty.
Costa’s penalty kick goal sparked wild celebrations and secured Portugal’s first-ever appearance in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Portugal will compete in Group E with defending champions United States, Netherlands, and Vietnam.
Haiti defeated Chile by a score of 2-1 in the Group B final at the North Harbour Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand.
Melchie Dumonay’s brace proved decisive for Haiti, with her first goal coming at the end of the first half when she ran through the Chilean defence and blasted a shot high into the net.
In the 89th minute, Haiti was awarded a penalty kick, but Nerilia Mondesir missed the decisive opportunity from the spot.
In the eighth minute of extra time, Dumonay appeared to have won the game for Haiti by scoring a 2-0 goal with her left foot.
Three minutes later, Chile scored a sloppy late goal, credited to Maria Jose Rojas, but it was too late to force an equaliser, as Haiti held on for a 2-1 victory.
Haiti will compete in Group D alongside the current European champions, England, China, and Denmark.
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The tournament is scheduled to take place in Australia and New Zealand from 20 July to 20 August.
Tomorrow, Paraguay will face Panama in the Group C final in Hamilton to determine the final spot at the tournament.
