Faroe Islands Edge Past Gibraltar in Historic Women’s Nations League Clash

Gibraltar 0-1 Faroe Islands, Europa Sports Stadium, Gibraltar – Gibraltar’s women’s national team made their home debut in the UEFA Women’s Nations League C on Tuesday, facing the Faroe Islands at the Europa Sports Stadium. Although the match ended in a narrow 0-1 defeat, the occasion marked a historic milestone for women’s football in Gibraltar, showcasing determination and potential that inspired the home crowd.
This was Gibraltar’s second match in the competition, following their international debut against Moldova just days earlier. The team fielded an unchanged starting eleven, signaling confidence in their lineup. The Europa Sports Stadium buzzed with anticipation, with 720 tickets allocated and a lively crowd supporting the team. The match was broadcast live on GBC, bringing the historic event into homes across Gibraltar.
Emotions ran high as the national anthems played, and the familiar tune of Llévame a Donde Nací accompanied the coin toss, adding a touch of local pride. Gibraltar kicked off with Chapman, who had impressed against Moldova, sending an early long ball forward. The team showed attacking intent from the start, dominating possession in the opening minutes.
Schilling created an early opportunity with a low cross through the middle, narrowly missed by Chapman in front of goal. Gibraltar maintained pressure, but the Faroe Islands showcased their threat on the counter, forcing Gibraltar’s defense, led by Pizzarello and Robba, into action.
The visitors began to assert themselves around the 14th minute, earning consecutive corners and testing goalkeeper Caitlin, who pulled off two crucial saves to keep the scoreline level. Gibraltar responded with resilience, pushing forward with confidence. Chapman’s dynamic runs led to the first yellow card of the match as she was deliberately tripped in the 20th minute.
Pizzarello floated in a dangerous cross shortly after, which just missed its target, drawing gasps from the crowd. Gibraltar continued to press, gaining confidence with quick passes and strong midfield play from Viagas, Naomi, Joelle, and Dalia.
Faroe Islands reminded Gibraltar of their threat in the 29th minute, breaking down the left and sending a header just wide of the post. Gibraltar responded with skillful play, with Joelle dazzling fans by weaving past three defenders, and Charlyann making powerful runs down the flank.
The home team finished the first half strongly, pinning the Faroe Islands back. Victor switched wings to great effect, winning a corner just before halftime. Pizzarello’s delivery curled just over the bar, leaving the teams deadlocked at 0-0 at the break – a result that surprised many football observers.
Gibraltar started the second half with renewed vigor, nearly taking the lead five minutes in when Gilbert forced a fingertip save from the Faroe Islands goalkeeper. As the hour mark approached, fatigue began to show, with the physical demands of playing two high-level matches in quick succession taking their toll.
Despite tired legs, Gibraltar displayed remarkable discipline and determination, pressing forward and defending resolutely. However, in the 67th minute, the Faroe Islands capitalized on a rare lapse, breaking down Gibraltar’s right side to score the decisive goal through Heidi Sevdal.
Gibraltar responded bravely, seeking an equalizer as rain began to fall. They came close in the 76th minute and continued to push, but were thwarted by solid defending and the visitors’ experience. The Gibraltar Head Coach made tactical substitutions, bringing on Ferro, Nash, and Mauro to inject fresh energy.
In the final ten minutes, the Faroe Islands’ experience and physicality showed as they managed the game to secure their 1-0 victory. Gibraltar fought until the end, earning praise from fans and commentators for their spirited performance.
While Gibraltar finished the match still seeking their first goal and points in the Nations League, they emerged with newfound respect and optimism for the future. This historic home debut laid the foundation for a promising era in women’s football in Gibraltar, inspiring a new generation and generating growing interest in the sport.
Despite the defeat, Gibraltar left the pitch with heads held high, knowing they had given a strong account of themselves and earned the admiration of their supporters. As they continue their Nations League journey, the team remains focused on building momentum and achieving future success on the international stage.

Photos by Johnny Bujega, Brandon Avellano and Stephen Ignacio