Portugal and Paraguay played to a 2-2 draw in Rio Maior on Monday, marking the first of two friendly matches that will wrap up the Portuguese national team’s World Cup training camp.
The match began with both sides creating chances, but it was Paraguay who struck first. Francisco Martinez netted the opening goal with a low shot in the eighth minute. Portugal responded swiftly, as João Matos equalized just a minute later, finishing at the far post after a throw-in by Bruno Coelho.
Buoyed by the quick equalizer, Portugal took control of the match and continued to press forward. Their efforts paid off in the 15th minute when an own goal by Jorge Espinoza put Portugal ahead.
Portugal carried this momentum into the second half, generating several scoring opportunities but failing to extend their lead. With only a one-goal difference, Paraguay stayed in the match and eventually drew level in the 30th minute. Arnaldo Baéz, in a one-on-one with Edu, calmly finished to make it 2-2. Despite Portugal’s attempts to regain the lead, the score remained unchanged until the final whistle.
This was the first of two encounters between Portugal and Paraguay, with the teams set to face each other again on Wednesday in Rio Maior.
