In only 48 hours, the Seleção return to action in the UEFA Nations League semifinals against Switzerland. With the inaugural tournament finals being hosted in Portugal, big expectations are being placed on the shoulders of Fernando Santos and his men.

The squad, meanwhile, remain hesitant at a figurative crossroads. With so much talent, the path ahead could arguably be onward to heights previously unattainable for a nation as small as Portugal. Yet, there exists a palpable uncertainty about how to get the best out of this talented group of individuals. It is possible they could fall astray and get caught in limbo between greatness and outright mediocrity. If you don’t want to miss a game you can check the UEFA Nation League fixtures and the list of the TV channels that broadcast the games on TVsportguide.com. 

Seleção expert Nathan Motz previews the Nations League showpiece and briefly discusses future implications to the development of the team.

• Portugal,
• 2019 U20 World Cup
• South Africa
• Jota
• Rafael Leão

South Africa 1 - 1 Portugal

Portugal were eliminated in hugely disappointing fashion after failing to beat South Africa in the U20 World Cup. Whilst South Korea beat Argentina to secure second place, Portugal couldn’t even qualify as the best of the third place teams after having scored even fewer goals than Panama. 

Rafael Leão scored early on to give Portugal a well-deserved lead. The seleção wasted chance after chance until South Africa’s James Monyane scored from the penalty spot after VAR deliberation.

VAR was then responsible for giving Portugal a penalty but Jota’s poor shot was saved, as Portugal looked toothless going forward and, ultimately, failed to grab the goal they needed, thus packing their bags to go home far earlier than they would have hoped.

Seleção look to bounce back after Argentina loss 

Portugal’s U20 World Cup campaign suffered a setback after a 2-0 defeat against Argentina in Bielsko-Biala. The Seleção failed to take their chances and could need a result against South Africa to advance to the round of 16.

Hélio Sousa stuck with the same starting side that won 1-0 against South Korea, he might make some changes in Portugal’s final Group F match. Few are taking South Africa seriously, but that would be an error as the Amajita have matched it with Argentina and South Korea despite coming away with consecutive defeats.

• Portugal,
• Argentina
• 2019 U20 World Cup

Portugal 0-2 Argentina

Argentina now have a firm grip of Portugal’s Group F in the U20 World Cup after a 2-0 win in Bielso-Biala, Poland.

Portugal will rue some missed chances as Adolfo Gaich and Nuhuén Pérez goals gave Argentina an important win, although the performance of goalkeeper Manuel Roffo was more important in denying Portugal.

Portugal now need a win over South Africa to guarantee their progression into the knockout stages.