Portugal's youth show seniors the way
U19's seal Euro spot, U21's stay in the hunt
 Though all eyes are focused on Paulo Bento and his team's preparations for Euro 2012, it has also been a crucial week for Portugal's Under-21 and Under-19 squads, as they build towards their continental finals, which take place next year and next month respectively. Ben Shave rounds up a busy seven days for the Selecção's stars of tomorrow.
André Martins keeps U21's alive
 Yesterday night in Barcelos, Rui Jorge's Under-21's recorded a priceless win over Group Six leaders Russia. The only goal of the game came with seventeen minutes left on the clock, from the squad's man in form - André Martins. Twelve months ago the 22 year-old midfielder was back at Sporting after three seasons out on loan (with Real, Belenenses and finally Pinhalnovense) facing an uncertain future. Now, the diminutive youngster has a freshly-signed contract with the Leões until 2016, and a bright international future.
Martins was the outstanding performer on a tense evening, which saw more than 10,000 packed into Gil Vicente's home ground. Portugal began the game four points behind Russia and knowing that nothing less than a win would do, especially as their opponents also hold a game in hand.
 The significance of the occasion was clearly weighing on some of the youngsters, but the home side finally broke through thanks to some excellent work from Abel Camará, who refused to give up on a lost cause and managed to set Salvador Agra hurtling free down the left wing. The Betis-bound youngster (pictured), who has impressed at Varzim then Olhanense over the last two seasons, produced a deadly ball in, and Martins was there at the back post to head home.
Portugal's remaining two fixtures are at home to Albania on Wednesday, and then away at Poland on September 10th. The ten group winners, plus the four runners-up with the best record against the teams placed 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th in their groups, will advance to the play-offs, with seven places available for the finals; which will take place in Israel next June.
U19's seal Euro spot in style
 Buoyed by home advantage, Edgar Borges' Under-19's secured their place at next month's European Championships at a canter, winning Group 4 of the Elite Round with three victories, eleven goals for, and just one against. Borges' squad featured just one player not on the books at Porto, Benfica or Sporting this season, and the latter, currently national champions, were particularly influential.
The mini-tournament, featuring three matches in seven days, was held in the Algarve, and Portugal began in sluggish fashion with a narrow 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland. Sporting goalkeeper Rafael Veloso was the outstanding performer, saving not one but two penalties after referee Alexandre Boucaut ordered an early spot-kick to be retaken. A late own goal sealed the points in somewhat fortunate fashion.
Having ridden their luck in Olhão, Faro's Estádio da Nora proved a far more fruitful hunting ground, as Portugal put Israel to the sword. 7-1 was the final score, with Edgar Ié (who has just left Sporting for Internazionale), João Mário (Sporting), Ricardo Esgaio (Sporting), André Gomes (Benfica), Betinho (Sporting), and Ivan Cavaleiro (Benfica) all on target.
 Thursday's final match against Ukraine took place at the Estádio Algarve, with only the winner guaranteed a place at the finals. But despite the pressure, Portugal's youngsters produced another excellent display, securing a 3-0 victory thanks to goals from Agostinho Cá (who like his teammate Edgar Ié has recently swapped Sporting for Inter), Betinho and yet another Sporting prospect Bruma.
Portugal join hosts Estonia, France, England, Serbia, Greece, Croatia and Spain at the finals, which kick off on July 3rd. PortuGOAL will have full coverage of the tournament.
Ben Shave
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I'm hoping Eurosport will show the U19 Euros, they usually pick up youth tournaments. So you should be able to fire up a stream...
Ben
This team is far superior to the one that finished runners-up to Brazil last year. This team is loaded with talent, good depth as well. Betinho, Bruma, Joao Mario, Tiago Ferreira, Agostinho Ca, Edgar Ie...etc.
The Under 18's are stacked as well.
This is a golden generation type talent pool, bodes well for the future.