Portugal beat Hungary 2-0 in Braga to take an early advantage in the 2025 Euro U17 Championship qualifiers.

Gil Neves opened the scoring in the 38th minute and Anísio Cabral doubled the lead in the 60th minute when he drew Márk Balogh out of his box and beat the stranded goalkeeper.

Benjámin Gólik hit the bar but Hungary fashioned just two shots, Portugal ending the game in the ascendancy with João Aragão hitting the post late on.

Bino Maçaes’ side now prepare to face Netherlands and Serbia, top spot in Group A4 required for a spot in the eight team 2025 UEFA European U17 Championship.

Portugal overturned a 2-0 deficit to earn a 2-2 draw against Turkey in their opening match in the 2025 UEFA European U19 Championship qualifiers.

Hüseyin Ertürk converted a penalty in the 40th minute and Efe Korkut produced a calm finish past Gonçalo Ribeiro two minutes into the second half.

Portugal immediately responded as Olívio Tomé assisted Gil Martins but it was Turkey who looked more likely to add to their lead. They couldn't convert however, Tomé's spilled cross fired home by substitute Francisco Neto in the 80th minute.

Portugal coach Roberto Martínez today announced the Seleção squad for the two-legged quarter-final Nations League clash against Denmark. 

There are no surprises in the 26 names announced, although the fact Benfica centre-back António Silva was preferred over his club teammate Tomás Araújo raised some eyebrows. 

On the back of the sensational performance by PSG duo Vitinha and João Neves in the Champions Leauge victory over Liverpool, Martínez opened the door to utilising the two midfielders at the heart of the Seleçao team too. 

Overhyped, underachieving wunderkinds distill what it means to be great

This is a long article. It attempts something difficult - to discern the mystery of what forms a great player through a particular lens.

The Portuguese players recorded here who have fallen short are not held in contempt but lend critical insight on two fronts. Specifically, to the indefinite dimensions of being great as a concept in sport and identifying linguistic and historical conventions employed to understand this abstraction.

I do not attempt to provide an objective rubric, only to challenge the way in which we perceive footballers, especially at the onset of their careers.

As ever, this historical thought-piece was carefully obsessed upon with love by PortuGOAL.net’s Nathan Motz. I hope it brightens your day as we patiently await the blessed return of international football and the next opportunity to celebrate our much-adored Seleção.