Francisca "Kika" Nazareth has friends in high places, and the Portugal midfielder is hoping to call in a few favors on Friday. To reach a first-ever Women's European Championship quarterfinal, Portugal need to win against already eliminated Belgium, for world champions Spain to beat Italy, and for there to be a six-goal swing between Portugal and the Italians in the process.
"We've lost one of our own. He was someone who followed the Navegadoras [Portuguese women's team] closely. We're deeply saddened -- there aren't many words. All we can say is that he will never be forgotten," Portugal coach Francisco Neto said.