Portugal got off to a winning start in Poland with a 1-0 victory against South Korea in Bielsko-Biala. The two top scorers from the successful U19 European Championship campaign combined in the 7th minute as João Filipe released Francisco Trincão who slotted home.

Hélio Sousa’s side were heavy favourites before kick off and many expected the 1989 & 1991 champions to record a convincing win. It didn’t eventuate due to a number of factors, primarily South Korea’s dogged five man defensive line and organised approach.

Next up are record six time champions Argentina who defeated South Africa 5-2 in Tychy. The South Americans were the beneficiaries of two VAR decisions in the space of three second half minutes, Fernando Batista’s side going 2-1 up from the penalty spot and a man up after Keenan Phillips received a straight red card.

Let’s analyse Portugal’s situation ahead of an important match against Argentina in Bielsko-Biala on Tuesday.

Portugal 1-0 South Korea

Though surely not quite on top form, Portugal opened Group F play at the U20 World Cup with a 1-0 victory over South Korea at the Bielsko-Biala Stadium. Braga's Trincão was the hero for Portugal as their midfield engine was stymied by a high energy display from Korea. 

Even so, Portugal outshot and outpossessed their opponents and will draw confidence from having secured three points despite the opening-match jitters. 

There were no major surprises as Seleção coach Fernando Santos today announced the players who will represent Portugal in the Final Four of the Nations League, to be disputed in Porto and Guimarães in a fortnight’s time.

Benfica’s teenage sensation João Félix makes the cut, there is a recall for veteran midfielder João Moutinho and Braga striker Dyego Sousa retains his place in the 23-man squad. As hosts, Portugal are one of the favourites to win the competition and many are taking advantage of the bethard bonus code 2019 to back this strong group of players to lift the trophy.  

As for notable absentees, striker André Silva is dropped after suffering injuries and loss of form in the second half of the season at Sevilla, and Leicester’s player of the year Ricardo Pereira can consider himself unlucky to miss out, with Nélson Semedo chosen as the back-up right-back for João Cancelo. 

On 24 May, the FIFA U20 World Cup will kick off in Lublin, Poland. Portugal’s U20 team will be there hoping to battle it out and ultimately take home the trophy, a title the Portugal’s U20s have won twice before (1989, 1991).

The 1991 squad featured stars such as Luís Figo, Rui Costa and Jorge Costa. Fast forward to 2019 and Portugal are on the brink of another Golden Generation.

Aaron Barton takes a closer look at why this young Seleção side are considered one of the favourites ahead of the U20 World Cup.