Portugal played an impressive 1-1 draw against the European Champions England to kick off their Nations League schedule on Friday in Portimão.

Kika Nazareth’s late goal canceled Alessia Russo’s early strike for a very impressive draw for the Portuguese.

Russo struck from close range in the 15th minute of the Group C match in driving rain for 1-0. England then dominated long stretches of the first half but couldn’t add to their lead.

Nazareth, who plays for Barcelona, leveled in the 75th minute with a blistering shot into the top corner.

She almost scored a second goal right after but the shot was saved.

Francisco Neto’s Portugal side came into this match unbeaten in their last 10, having not tasted defeat since a 1-0 loss to France in December 2023, and they proved their quality with a strong second-half display to show they can play with the big teams.

“I felt the result was really fair for us. In the second half, when we changed the formation, we were better,” said Neto.

Spain came from 2-0 down earlier on Friday to beat Belgium 3-2 in the other group match.

Portugal plays at Belgium on Wednesday in Match Day 2.

STARTERS

Portugal: Pereira, Borges, Costa, Gomes, Amado, Silva, Pinto, Marchao, Norton, J. Silva; D. Silva.

Subs: Capeta, Costa, Dias, Faria, Jacinto, Mendes, Morais, Nazareth, Ribeiro, Rute, Seica; Sousa Alves.

England: Earps, Bronze, Charles, Walsh, Bright, Williamson, Park, Clinton, Russo, Toone; James.

Subs: Morgan, Hampton, Le Tissier, Turner, Carter, Kelly, Naz, Beever-Jones, Parris, Moorhouse, Mace; Blindkilde-Brown.