Portugal’s women’s national football team faces a significant tactical test against Brazil on Tuesday, according to midfielder Andreia Jacinto, who underlined the unique challenges the South American powerhouse presents.
Jacinto, who plays for Spain’s Real Sociedad, described Brazil’s pressing style as “very different from all European teams” and something Portugal has “never encountered.”
She called the match a “very big challenge” but also “very interesting” for the squad.
The 23-year-old midfielder noted that Brazil’s individual marking demands “a lot of mobility and counter-movements” from her teammates to create space and receive passes effectively.
Her four seasons in Spain have enhanced her “rhythm and aggression,” qualities she believes are vital for international play.
“In the Spanish league everything happens faster, we have to make our decisions faster because the pressure comes sooner,” she explained, highlighting her personal development.
Despite her age, Jacinto boasts 58 international appearances for Portugal, bringing considerable experience to the squad.
She emphasized that she approaches each call-up as if it were her first, but her accumulated experience helps her “be more willing within the game, more prepared to solve problems.”
The friendly against Brazil, a preparation game for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers, will take place in Aveiro, Portugal.
This fixture follows Portugal’s 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands last Thursday at the Braga Municipal Stadium.
Forward Kika Nazareth was ruled out of the Brazil game after sustaining an injury against the Dutch, with Jacinto replacing her in the first half of that match.