Both national teams of Portugal, men and women, started in the best way possible the 2022 IBSA Goalball European – Division B Championships at the Centro de Desportos e Congressos, in the city of Matosinhos.

After the opening ceremony – link here – the men’s competition kicked off with Portugal against Bulgaria. The host team won by 12-9, but the match was pretty balanced. At halftime, the score was 5-5.

The second match put the women’s teams from Portugal and Italy on the field of play, marking an historic moment for both national squads. Portugal got its first victory in any competition (coincidentally by the same score as the men got in the previous game, 12-9), and the Italian team made their debut in international tournaments. It was the first match in their history. Portugal welcomed them in the most profound fair-play spirit, as it was possible to follow at the end of the match.

Schedule for Day 2 (CET):