The Seleção could not have got their Euro U17 campaign off to a better start as they thrashed the hosts Azerbaijan 5-0 in Baku this afternoon.
The match was as good over after a ruthless opening half hour against a nervous host nation, with Portugal three goals to the good.
Two high-quality strikes were added in the second half to make Hélio Sousa’s side early leaders in the Group A standings.
The Seleção player with the biggest reputation at this age level is striker José Gomes. The prolific marksman has not stopped scoring since first setting foot in Portugal three years ago having been spotted by the Lisbon club’s scouting network in his home country, Guinea-Bissau, as a 13-year-old.
Gomes turned 17 less than a month ago, but by the 16th minute of the Seleção’s tournament opener today he had notched himself a brace, first climbing highest to head home amongst a cluster of Azeri defenders (pictured), then taking advantage of a colossal blunder by the home goalkeeper to coolly double Portugal’s lead.
Portugal completely blitzed the home side in a whirlwind opening phase, with Rúben Vinagre hitting the post and Diogo Queirós also going close as well as the two goals. It was therefore no surprise when a third goal came before the break, with Azerbaijan captain Asadov sliding the ball into his own net when attempting to intercept a cross.
Portugal took their foot off the gas in the second half, but still managed to add further goals thanks to two terrific long-range shots. Miguel Luís thundered a right-foot effort into the top right-hand corner after being neatly teed up by Gedson Fernandes, and Fernandes himself then rounded off the scoring with a low 25-yarder that fizzed into the bottom left-hand corner of the net, again giving Azeri goalkeeper Huseynov no chance.
Next up for Portugal is a match against Scotland on Sunday, where victory will book the Seleção’s place in the quarter-finals.
Portugal: Diogo Costa, Diogo Dalot, Diogo Queirós, Diogo Leite, Rúben Vinagre, Florentino, Gedson Fernandes, Miguel Luís (Domingos Quina, 48’), João Filipe, Mesaque Dju (Rafael Leão, 67’), José Gomes (Mickael Almeida, 59’)
Goals:
[0-1] José Gomes, 4’
[0-1] José Gomes, 16’
[0-1] Asadov (o.g.), 25’
[0-1] Miguel Luís, 45’
[0-1] Gedson Fernandes, 76’
