Hungary and Greece swept aside by Rui Jorge’s men
Portugal’s Under-21 team maintained their stunning form with victories at home against Hungary (2-0) last Friday and away in Greece (4-0) this afternoon.
Rui Jorge’s side rise to the top of Group 4 and look like steaming through their Euro 2017 qualification, with three wins out of three so far, scoring 12 goals and conceding just one in the process.
The disappointment of Portugal’s defeat in the Euro 2015 final to Sweden and the subsequent significant changes in personnel as the older players become ineligible have done nothing to dampen the brilliance of Jorge’s young team, or the enthusiasm surrounding the next generation of up-and-coming Portugal stars.
On Friday night in Penafiel goals from captain Bruno Fernandes and Gonçalo Paciência were enough to see off Hungary.
But this afternoon in Greece the Seleção were at their merciless best, Gonçalo Guedes, Gelson Martins and Iuri Medeiros ripping apart the home defence with an electrifying display of pace and skill.
Benfica man Guedes, who is reaping the benefit of a sustained run in the first team of the Portuguese champions, was in especially outstanding form. He opened the scoring with a fine run and cross-shot on the stroke of half time, then produced two quite brilliant assists to set up goals for Gelson Martins and João Cancelo. Gonçalo Paciência rounded off the scoring.
Coach a happy man
“The intensity we put into the game from the first minute forced the Greek team to wear themselves out, allowing us more space in the second half, where the quality of our players came to the fore,” said a delighted Rui Jorge.
“We will continue to try and accumulate all the points we can. This is a squad with a lot of quality, with great desire and with a great team spirit.”
Portugal’s next match is at home to Albania (who they beat 6-1 in Tirana in the opening qualifier) on 12 November. Expect goals.
by Tom Kundert
