The National Team started its participation in the European women's water polo tournament, which takes place in Funchal, in the best possible way, beating Romania 12-7, superior in all periods (2-1, 2-1, 2-1 and 6-4). Despite the impressive victory, Ferran Pascual highlighted the demanding nature of the duel. “It wasn't an easy game. Romania knew us well, we had already faced this team in qualifying. It was a very tactical and physical game, with many individual duels. It wasn't fluid, but it was a fighting game. The players made a huge effort and fulfilled exactly what we had prepared», said the coach. The coach further explained the outlined strategy: «I told them it was a game to win period by period. It was necessary to wear down the opponent. In the third and fourth periods, Romania broke physically and we managed to make a qualitative leap, because we have more talented players, more pace and, technically, we managed to distance ourselves on the scoreboard.” With the debut behind us, there are now two very demanding opponents: Spain and Hungary. «This victory helps a lot. I told the players that it is important to value it. Against Spain and Hungary, we want to enjoy, learn and show that this team is evolving for the present and for the coming years", highlighted Pascual. Maria Machado leads Portuguese attack The debut also brought some natural nerves, but the team responded positively. Maria Machado stood out with four goals, while Madalena Lousa and Beatriz Pereira scored three each. «I'm very happy. It was a complicated game. At first it was difficult to get going, we were tired, but then we let go. We defended very well and, when you defend well, the attack flows naturally", said Maria Machado, who made a point of sharing the credit: "Being the top scorer is a very good feeling, but without my teammates none of us would be able to do it." The player, who plays for CN Rubi, also recognized the pressure of her debut. «There were nerves, of course. We had to show that we had achieved it before and that today we would do it again. Spain and Hungary are very strong teams, but that's what we're here for. Playing against Olympic champions is difficult, but you learn a lot.” Despite the victory, the objective remains clear: finish in the top 11. «This triumph is a big step, but we have not yet reached our goal. Now we will have games with theoretically more accessible teams. Let's stay focused», he concluded.
