Portugal U-19 eyeing a second consecutive European title after a perfect run
Portugal’s under-19 side stands at the threshold of repeating as European champions, having navigated a 100% winning path through the group stage with convincing victories over Italy, Ukraine, and Moldova. The unbeaten run continued in the semi-final, where Portugal dismissed Slovenia 3-0 to secure a place in the final against a familiar Iberian foe, Spain. The final is scheduled for Sunday at 18:30 local time, a mouth-watering clash that pits two nearby rivals against one another in a high-stakes pursuit of the continental title.
Semi-final showcase: a 3-0 victory that echoed the group stage’s efficiency
Portugal did not soften its approach at any stage of the semi-final. In less than two minutes, Tiago Rodrigues opened the scoring with a well-placed shot that ricocheted off a Slovenian defender, Sevensek, giving the Portuguese an early lead that set the tone for the remainder of the match. The Iberian side maintained pressure, keeping Slovenia’s defense under constant threat while Eurico Cunha marshalled play from the back with assured distributions from goal to goal.
Slovenia mounted a response early on, with Domen Kokol forcing a cross-shot that required a sharp intervention from Cunha in the 8th minute. Beyond that initial push, the Portuguese controlled the tempo, repeatedly narrowing the Slovenian goal with swift transitions and eye-for-an-eye finishing that the opponents could not convert into an equalizer.
The second goal arrived in the 28th minute when Miguel Malhão headed home from a rebound after Alen Zgonc could not secure a clean stop. The goal extended Portugal’s cushion and underscored the team’s persistence in attack. The hosts hit the woodwork twice before halftime, with Tiago Rodrigues and Martim Catela both testing the Slovenian frame, a sign that the Portuguese were not only relentless but also efficient in front of goal.
After the break, Eurico Cunha delivered a commanding performance, finishing the scoring on a counter-attack that carried smoothly from one end to the other, sealing the 3-0 result. Slovenia, already grappling with the deficit, briefly flirted with a more aggressive approach by deploying an extra attacker, but Portugal’s defense remained resolute, preserving the result until the final whistle.
The victory confirmed Portugal’s status as a title contender and left them with a golden opportunity to defend their European crown on Sunday against Spain, a match that promises another Iberian duel full of technical quality and competitive spirit. The team’s measured approach in the semi-final—capitalizing on early chances, maintaining control, and finishing clinically—offers a blueprint for success in the final.
Final against Spain: an Iberian derby to decide the champion
As the final approaches, Portugal U-19 will aim to replicate the discipline and efficiency that characterized their campaign. Spain, a formidable foe with its own rich youth program, will present a stern test, requiring Portugal to balance attacking intent with defensive compactness. The stage is set for a competitive final that could redefine the trajectory of both squads in this age group.
Defending a European title is always challenging, but Portugal’s journey so far signals a team that can combine technical skill with tactical intelligence. If they maintain the intensity shown against Slovenia and translate chances into goals as consistently as they did in the group stage, they will be well placed to lift the trophy again and etch their place in the competition’s history.
