The Ireland Women's Under-17s lost 3-1 to Portugal in the first of two International Friendly games in Lisbon.

In the Estadio Nacional Lisbon, Ireland Head Coach James Scott got to see his team tested against a quality opponent, which will help with their preparation for upcoming UEFA WU17 European Championship Qualifiers.

The hosts broke the deadlock on 37 minutes when Francisca Vieira cut inside from the right flank onto her left foot and curled a superb shot past goalkeeper Jenna Willoughby.

Portugal increased their lead five minutes later through an excellent solo effort from Matilde Matos, who picked the ball up at the half-way line, dribbled forward and unleashed a stinging shot from distance.

Ireland got a goal back just after the restart when Wollmer buried a shot into the back from the net from inside the penalty area following outstanding hold-up play by Anna Butler.

This was the second time that Athlone Town attacker Wollmer has scored this year against Portugal having previously netted for the WU16s in a UEFA Development Tournament match back in May.

However, Portugal showed just how strong they are in attack when Luana Bessa kept her cool and used her body strength to force a way through into the Irish penalty area before slotting in their third goal.

Ireland did continue to push for more goals with substitute Madison McGuane forcing goalkeeper Beatriz Carvalho into a save from close range on 81 minutes. But Portugal held strong to win this one.

The teams meet again in the same venue on Thursday (September 5th).

Portugal: Beatriz Carvalho; Ana Laura (Leonor Silva 46), Iris Fernandes (Maria Leitao 69), Francisca Castro (Rita Lourenco 63), Laura Silva (Madalena Loucao 77), Francisca Vieira (Matilde Carvalho 77), Luana Bessa (Marta Filipę 63), Constanca Maia (Eva Carreira 69), Carolina Simoes, Matilde Matos (Matilde Ribeiro 77), Ana Barbosa (Matilde Ribeiro 46).

Ireland: Jenna Willoughby; Emma Gaughran (Aiblinn Cotter 72), Heather Loomes, Sophia Leonard (Leah McGrath 60), Fiona McCormick (Lauren Bowe 60); Sarah McCaffrey (Aoife Sheridan 60), Finley Newell (Michaela Hand 89), Ella Kelly; Maeve Wollmer (Madison McGuane 60), Anna Butler (Ava Mullins 72), Aisling Meehan (Kate Jones 46).

Referee: Inés Andrada.