Newbie starting with Portugal...gets wrecked instantly by vastly inferior force.

I dont get this game at all.

Start with Portugal because all the guides tell me to.

Allied with England who starts war with France.
Ok fine...i'll play it cautious.

Send my starting army of 11,000 soldiers to attack nearby force of barely 1000 French. 11 to 1 odds in my favor.

Gets wrecked...100% casualties...ha ha.

ugh... im too stupid for this i guess.