Portugal U-19 set to defend title as Spain awaits in the final
Portugal is on the brink of defending its European Under-19 crown after a flawless group phase and a 3-0 semifinal win over Slovenia. The young Portuguese side will meet Spain in the final on Sunday at 18:30 in a classic Iberian duel that promises high stakes and intense football.
Road to the final: a group stage that spoke volumes
The campaign began with a relentless, no license approach from Portugal, who swept through the group stage with wins over Italy, Ukraine and Moldova. The momentum carried into the semifinal, where the same recipe—high pressing, quick transitions and clinical finishing—guided them to a comfortable 3-0 victory that set up a decisive clash with Spain.
Opening the semifinal account, and keeping the tempo high
The match against Slovenia got off to a dream start when Tiago Rodrigues found the back of the net inside the opening two minutes, the ball taking a deflection off Sevensek that helped slot it past the keeper. Portugal continued to dictate play, pressuring in numbers and seeking to extend the lead rather than sitting on the advantage.
Maintaining control: the second and the build-up to the third
Slovenia briefly threatened to swing momentum, but Eurico Cunha in goal remained composed, cutting off lines and initiating quick counters. The Portuguese doubled the lead in the 28th minute when Miguel Malhão rose to head home a teasing cross after a parry from Alen Zgonc, making it 2-0 and deflating any late hopes of a comeback. Portugal continued to press, forcing two woodwork efforts which kept the scoreline honest and the crowd engaged.
Concluding the rout: Cunha seals the scoreline
The decisive moment arrived just before the break when Eurico Cunha, from his own goal to the opponent’s area, finished a sweeping counter with a composed strike in the 39th minute. The 3-0 result put Portugal firmly on course for the final and reinforced the belief that their style and craft could trouble Spain in the final.
Final vs Spain: an Iberian duel to decide the title
Spain awaits after a campaign that has blended technical quality with tactical discipline. The Sunday final at 18:30 promises a tactical duel between two well-drilled teams, each with the ability to shift gears and exploit spaces. Portugal will rely on the same relentless tempo, sharp pressing and clinical finishing that characterized their run to this point, while Spain will look to control the game through possession and precise attacks.
What Portugal must do to defend the crown
To defend the crown, Portugal must maintain the pressure from the first whistle, stay compact at the back and convert chances when they arise. The defense, anchored by Eurico Cunha, needs to continue guiding the back line, while the attackers must stay decisive in the final third. Patience in build-up and quick, vertical moves could be the differentiators in what is expected to be a tightly contested final.
Key players to watch
Tiago Rodrigues continues to threaten with pace and finishing prowess, while Miguel Malhão adds presence and threat from set-pieces. Eurico Cunha has been a standout in goal, and his ability to control play from the back will be essential. The squad depth should also play a part, with substitutes ready to alter the tempo and maintain Portugal’s demanding style throughout the final.
