French hat-trick
PORTUGAL STARTED the prestigious annual event with a satisfactory 0-0 draw against Argentina, the same score line achieved by Group A rivals China and the Czech Republic. The latter were beaten 2-0 in game two by the Portuguese, while China just got the better of their South American rivals.
Another draw, this time between Portugal and China, set up a semi-final against Holland, who had finished second to France in Group B. Chances went begging early on in the game, until the Dutch finally got the ball in the back of the Portuguese net 15 minutes from the end, despite having been reduced to 10 men. The final against France remained goalless forcing a penalty shoot-out, which the French decided 5-3 in their favour, thus claiming the third consecutive title. For Portugal, a rematch with China for third place remained, João Moreira scoring the only goal of the match in the 67th minute to provide some consolation.
