Andorra Women Hold Hungary to 0-0 Draw in World Cup Qualifier

Andorra's women's national football team opened their World Cup qualifying campaign with a resilient 0-0 draw against group leaders Hungary at the Estadi Nacional in Andorra la Vella, securing a valuable point in UEFA Women's Nations League League C Group 3.

The match, played before 330 spectators, saw Hungary dominate possession and create numerous chances, but Andorra's organised defence and standout performances from goalkeeper Alba Martín held firm. Martín made several crucial saves, particularly in the second half, denying clear opportunities from Henrietta Csiszár and Dóra Süle, while shots from Zsanett Kaján and Zsófia Mayer struck the woodwork. Hungary, ranked 45th in the world compared to Andorra's 182nd, suffered two first-half injuries, with Hanna Németh substituted at the 14th minute and Beatrix Fördős at the 34th.

Coach Albert Panadero deployed a compact, defensive setup with lines positioned deep to counter Hungary's attacking threat. Andorra's starting XI included Martín in goal; Paula Da Silva (replaced by Zoe Planagumà, 62'), Neus Rosas (Èlia Quílez, 74'), Laia Solé, and Maria Da Cruz in defence; Laia Sin, Chloe Izquierdo, captain Tere Morató, Ari Gonçalves (Olga Sabio, 89'), and Clàudia Plaja (Gemma Lluch, 74') in midfield; and Maria Ruzafa (Cris Lacour, 74') up front. Hungary, led by Alexandra Szarvas, fielded Brzycky; Fanni Nagy, Fördős (Virág Nagy, 34'), Németh (Laura Kovács, 14'), Palakovics; Csiszár, Csanyi (Pusztai, 63'), Süle, Mayer, Pápai (Nagy, 63'), Kaján (Vincze, 63').

Referee Roxana Recorean issued yellow cards to Plaja (73'), Sabio (90+2'), and Da Cruz for Andorra. Post-match, Panadero hailed the performance as historic, saying the team had earned respect on the pitch and competed against players from clubs like Inter Milan and the German league. "It's something to take your hat off to," he added, emphasising their growth and mental strength.

The result came amid pre-match controversy over the venue switch from the FAF's Nou Estadi in Encamp—where Andorra had played their last four games on natural grass—to the National Stadium. Captain Morató expressed disappointment, stating the team preferred the familiarity of Encamp and hoped to return there in future, while Panadero backed the players' right to a modern facility.

Andorra, who also face Azerbaijan and North Macedonia in the group, next travel to face North Macedonia on Saturday at 15:00, following the hosts' 2-0 opening loss to Azerbaijan.