Lusitanas Aim to Make History Against Iceland in Women’s EHF Euro 2026

Portugal travels to Hafnarfjörður on Sunday with a clear objective. A positive result will seal qualification for the Women’s EHF Euro 2026.

Context and stakes

The game starts on 12 April at 17:00 Portuguese time. RTP2 will broadcast the match live.

Portugal sits third in Group 4 with four points. Iceland occupies the bottom spot, two points behind. Any win or draw guarantees Portugal the third place. That finish likely secures a place among the best third-placed teams.

Venue and atmosphere

The match takes place at Ithrottamidstod Hauka Asvellir, in Hafnarfjörður. The local crowd is expected to create a hostile environment.

Home support has helped Iceland produce surprise results this campaign. Portugal must withstand that pressure to reach the finals.

Key threats

Iceland’s main attacking threat is Elín Klara Þorkelsdóttir. She has scored 23 goals in five qualification matches.

Containing her will be a priority for Portugal’s defence. Quick transitions could punish Iceland if defensive cohesion holds.

Head-to-head and recent form

This will be the ninth meeting between the two teams. Iceland leads the historical record with five wins. Portugal has won twice, and there has been one draw.

Portugal won the first-leg encounter in Matosinhos by a single goal, 26-25. That result gives the visitors a psychological edge heading into the return match.

Portugal’s perspective

Captain Mihaela Minciuna has highlighted the challenge of playing in a packed arena. She stressed the need for defensive unity and smarter physical management.

Minciuna also noted her personal motivation. She missed the last European Championship through injury and wants to help Portugal secure consecutive qualifications.

Tactical focus

Portugal plans to emphasise collective defence. The aim is to force turnovers and create fast-break chances.

Avoiding extended positional attacks will reduce fatigue. Sharp, coordinated defending will be crucial.

How this game fits the bigger picture

The Lusitanas aim to make history as they face Iceland, chasing a spot at the Women’s EHF Euro 2026. Qualification would mark back-to-back European appearances.

A point or three in Hafnarfjörður would complete the group campaign and send Portugal through.

Group 4: Qualifiers — Match list and results

Follow live coverage on RTP2. For further analysis and reaction, visit Filmogaz.com.