Tatiana Pinto Previews Portugal’s Challenge Against Spain in Women’s Football

OLIVEIRA DO BAIRRO, Portugal — As the Portuguese national team prepares for a crucial double-header against Spain, midfielder Tatiana Pinto emphasizes the team’s philosophy of taking it “match by match”. Pinto, who boasts a decade of international experience and knowledge of top European leagues, spoke about the team’s approach and their standing in Group A3 ahead of the matches.

“This mindset allows us to enjoy the present moment,” Pinto explained. “In our first game window, we performed well, and that experience has only strengthened our resolve as a team.” Portugal currently leads their group, which Pinto acknowledges is a tough challenge.

In their initial matches, Portugal secured a 1-0 victory against Belgium and drew 1-1 with England. On the upcoming games against Spain, Pinto highlighted the importance of understanding their opponents. “Spain is a dominant team with incredible individual talent and teamwork,” she stated. “The quality of their players is undeniable, but we feel the gap is narrowing, and it’s vital for us to compete at our best.”

Pinto anticipates a challenging contest against Spain. “They are known for their ball possession, and it’s tough to play against them,” she said. “We, however, also enjoy controlling the ball and will need to showcase our best version to compete effectively.”

When asked about which Spanish players pose the most threat, Pinto remarked, “Spain has some of the world’s best midfielders; it’s hard to single out one. Players like Aitana and Patri have exceptional skill and game intelligence. We can’t underestimate any of them; our focus needs to be on team dynamics.”

Pinto is particularly excited about her teammate Andreia Jacinto, a budding talent who has been in fantastic form. “If there’s one player I’d want fans to pay attention to, it’s Andreia. She’s humble yet possesses immense skill and decision-making ability. Much of our game will run through her,” Pinto noted.

Despite the absence of key players like Kika Nazareth and Jéssica Silva due to injuries, Pinto remains positive. “Kika is a remarkable talent who was doing well at Barcelona. Her absence is felt, but we believe she has a bright future ahead,” she said.

Looking ahead, Pinto acknowledged that while the upcoming Nations League matches are essential, they will also serve as preparation for the Euro 2025 tournament. “Our main goal is to solidify our position in League A, competing against Europe’s elite teams,” she asserted. “These matches are a privilege and will surely help us financially and developmentally.”

Pinto reflected on how the Portuguese women’s game has evolved over her ten-year international career. “The commitment from the federation and clubs in Portugal has been monumental. When I started, we lacked resources, but the investments made, irrespective of previous results, have elevated our competitiveness. We are fortunate to be part of this change, which will set up future generations for success,” she expressed.

As for her club career at Atlético Madrid, Pinto shared her insights on the team’s progress. “With a new coach and many new players, it’s a process to build chemistry and confidence. We’re on a solid path and focused on achieving our objective: bringing Atlético to the highest level, competing in the Champions League, and fighting for titles,” Pinto concluded.