Algarve inspires Portugal under 19s

Buoyed by home advantage, Portugal secured their place at next month’s European Under 19 Football Championships by winning Group 4 of the Elite Round with three victories, eleven goals for, and just one against. Following a narrow 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland and the 7-1 demolition of Israel meant that the final game would decide who proceeded to the finals. The match against Ukraine took place at the Algarve Stadium and Portugal’s youngsters produced another excellent display, securing a 3-0 victory thanks to goals from Agostinho Cá (who has recently swapped Sporting for InterMilan), Betinho and yet another Sporting prospect Bruma. Portugal join hosts Estonia, France, England, Serbia, Greece, Croatia and Spain at the finals, which kick off on July 3.