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| Sunday, 01 July 2012 16:20 |
Preview: U19 European ChampionshipsCan Borges’ side capitalise on strong form? With their senior counterparts having done themselves proud over the last month, Portugal’s Under-19 squad will now take centre stage at their European Championships, which begin on Tuesday in Estonia. Ben Shave previews their chances.
“Acquiring international experience is crucial for the growth of our players, endowing them with useful tools for their future professional career. The players benefit from it, the Portugal team at all levels benefit for it, and also the clubs and our domestic competitions benefit from it.” That was the verdict of Federação Portuguesa de Futebol President Fernando Gomes, on the upcoming Under-19 European Championships. There is no doubt that youth tournaments are distinct from senior editions – although the competitive edge is present, those involved are inevitably still finding their feet physically, mentally and technically. Borge’s Ambitions Yet whilst Gomes was keen to emphasise the more long-term advantages that success could bring, coach Edgar Borges has hinted at ambitions of a title challenge as well: “At the beginning of the season, we outlined a group of objectives which we want to fulfil in the European Championship finals. First of all we want to guarantee a place in the 2013 FIFA Under-20 World Cup finals. After that, we will take it step by step.” With six European places available for the aforementioned Under-20 World Cup and only eight teams competing in Estonia, it would take a surprising slump in form for at least the first objective to be missed. Borges’ side racked up 29 goals in six qualifying matches, winning five and drawing just one. Although they did show signs of nerves during a 1-0 opening win against Ireland in the Elite Round (held earlier this year in the Algarve) the squad delivered the goods when it mattered most, flattening Israel 7-1 and cruising past the dangerous Ukraine to seal qualification. Familiar faces in the drawWith two places in the semi-finals up for grabs, Group A looks set up nicely for Portugal and fellow favourites Spain, though Estonia will be heartened by their host status and Greece also negotiated the qualification phase without defeat. Since UEFA restructured their youth competitions in 2001 Spain have won five Under-19 European Championships, including the 2011 edition. Portugal triumphed in its Under-18 predecessor twice during the 1990’s – 1994 and 1999. The first of those arrived after final losses in 1988, 1990 and 1992. João Paulo (pictured) netted the winner in Sweden five years later. Just as was the case in the Elite Round, group stage matches will come in quick succession over the ten days. Portugal face Estonia on July 3rd at 18:45 Lisbon time, Spain three days later (18:00) and finally Greece on July 9th, at 15:00. Group B is comprised of Croatia, England, France, and Serbia. Settled squad Although youth football is by definition a transitory arena, Portugal have historically tended to prioritise the collective progress of age groups. Nélson Oliveira’s recent jump from the Under-20 squad to the senior Selecção is a rare exception – most of the eighteen selected by Borges have been competing together since their formative years.This is undoubtedly aided by the assiduous cultivation of youthful talent by Sporting, Benfica and Porto. Os Três Grandes have contributed all but three of this year’s squad, with Sporting leading the way on seven. Borges’ squad reads as follows: Goalkeepers: Bruno Varela (Benfica), Rafael Veloso (Sporting) Defenders: Pedro Almeida (União de Leiria), João Cancelo (Benfica) Tiago Ferreira (FC Porto), Tiago Ilori (Sporting), Daniel Martins (Benfica), Andre Teixeira (FC Porto in 2011/12, Belenenses in 2012/13) Midfielders: Ricardo Alves (FC Porto in 2011/12, Belenenses in 2012/13), Agostinho Cá (Sporting), André Gomes (Benfica), João Mário (Sporting), Tó-Zé (FC Porto) Forwards: Bruma (Sporting) Betinho (Sporting) Cafú (Benfica), Ivan Cavaleiro (Benfica), Ricardo Esgaio (Sporting).  The majority of those present competed in the 2011/12 Juniores national championship, won by Sporting. This tournament arrives at a crucial moment for many of the squad, who will be expecting to take their first steps in senior football over the next year, either as part a B team or, as is the case with Alves and Teixeira, at another club. Pedro Almeida faces an uncertain future, with União de Leiria currently headed for the local Distritais competition.Potential across the pitch Although the Under-20’s did superbly to reach the World Cup final back in 2011, it is this generation of players that have excited many observers. There is talent at every position, with Tiago Ferreira, Daniel Martins, João Mário, Tó-Zé, Betinho, Bruma and Cafú among those expected to become mainstays of the Selecção A over the next decade. Betinho in particular has attracted much attention, both at home and abroad. Scorer of 22 goals during Sporting’s title-winning season, the stocky forward struck eight during qualifying. His combination play with teammate Ricardo Esgaio and Benfica’s Cafú ought to present a problem for any defence. Elsewhere, the midfield duo of João Mário (brother of Sporting’s Wilson Eduardo) and André Gomes provide a smooth blend of dynamism and elegant movement. PortuGOAL will have full coverage of the Under-19 European Championships, beginning with Estonia-Portugal on July 3rd. Ben Shave (@benshave) |
As for the striker question , i wasn't thinking of finding a someone with the talent of those two , but another Nuno Gomes or Jordao would be most welcome !
As for the main article, I'm very excited to see how these kids do. We have a younger national team, good prospects coming up from the U-20 level, throw in some more exciting talent from the U-19 and Portugal should continue to be a threatening team to face for the next 10years. Not bad for a country of 10million.
you had excellent player in Rui Costa but sadly there is nobody like him.
Guimaraes is a sad affair for me. They have tremendous following, which wasn't far from Braga even with an awful situation at hand. Bebe's 9 million disappeared into someone's pocket to never be seen again.
That organization has been run into the ground. Let's face it, they have no business in being in such dire straits financially. Someone is pocketing cash and making horrible decisions.
I might pick on Braga but they proved me wrong last season. I will also once again be concerned with their staying pat with the same squad approach. But they got it done last season, so we'll see.
On Roderick I should have mentioned in my previous comment: I think the reason he isn't going back to Servette is because they filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, not the most stable environment. Interestingly they are owned by the same guy who bought a controlling stake in Beira-Mar recently...encouraging...
B Teams: good question. There's nothing that says they have to field a certain number of homegrown players in each B team match, but I would imagine they'll be populated by former Under-19 players. Given that youth squads are generally more Portuguese than senior squads, it could happen.
This isn't confirmed yet, but ZeroZero have started mapping out Braga's B squad: http://goo.gl/zW8SY - certainly looks a bit more Portuguese.
With Guimarães, I can't imagine there will be anything but Portuguese players in the B team - they can't afford to sign anyone. Pre-season started today with no new signings present, and as you said, there may well be more departures if the players find out they can earn more elsewhere. Budget's down 32% on last season, best players gone or preparing to go...I'd say they are top candidates for relegation.
Ben
I know that everyone is screaming for a striker but he fact is that most of these guys might be needed to be given a look for the next Euros and WC '18. Our center backs and right back are old as will our mids be.
I also thought that our U20 lacked spark and creativity, so hopefully these team can bring some of that.
If we could get some of them to develop and get them in the mix with the U20's we just might be able to hold our world ranking/status.
I thought that Roderick had a decent season at Servette. I know that the Swiss League isn't exactly a world beater, but he played and started in all of the matches for a Europa League squad. Surprised he's not going back to them. Maybe the cost is too high.
I believe Toze is a mid.
Question:
Since Braga, Guimaraes and Maritimo are going to have B Squads, will they begin to develop Portuguese as well?
In my opinion Guimaraes B squad should be rejected. They are currently asking all the players to take a 50% pay cut. It's a joke if they are allowed a B squad.
On Diego Lopes, he's not been in Portugal for long enough, I think it's six years you have to have been a resident, he's only been in Portugal for what, four? And I haven't read that he's aiming to become a resident..
@Comment number 13: Tozé is a creative midfielder, generally found down the right.
Ben
Peter: I don't think there's another Eusébio or Fernando Gomes lurking in this crop of players. Betinho, Bruma and Cafú are probably the most prolific, but they aren't orthodox centre forwards.
Oscar: Agostinho is excellent, I agree...didn't want to list the whole team though!
Mateus: Nuno Reis has graduated to the Under-21's now, Roderick has fallen off the radar a little bit. He was supposed to join Rio Ave on loan this season but if the vote to ban same-division loans is upheld, it'll be abroad or Benfica B...a shame.
Dylan: I don't know about America, but Eurosport are showing the Estonia and Spain group matches. So you should be able to find a stream.
Danny: thanks for noticing the typo!
João Teixeira: he's injured. Hardly played for Liverpool since joining, according to my contact there. Don't think he'd get into the side at the moment anyway, to be honest.
Ben
http://www.livesoccertv.com/schedules/2012-07-03/
Forca Portugal!
BTW Ben, the final game against Greece is at 15:00 Lisbon time, not 18:00
The team is just loaded with potential stars that teams like Barcelona, Inter Milan, Man Utd etc. are chasing.
Hopefully they can live up to the hype and expectations that everyone in Portugal has for this team, which is sky high.
Unfortunately, there are 2 key players out injured but the squad is strong enough and deep enough to overcome it.
Edgar Ie, who is on his way to Barcelona is injured. As is, Joao Carlos from Liverpool.
Really hoping Betinho lives up to the hype and is the star of this tournament. The Senior National Team desperately needs him to fulfill his potential and become a World Class Striker.
The currennt national team has 2-4 years left on the current squad of players with a few exceptions. Portugal has very few players in the 20-24 year range who show promise. This gap will need to be fiiled by this current generation of U-19 players.
Despite the U-20 team finishing 2nd at the U-20 WC, anyone following the competition wil conclude that team was industrial built on defense with no cutting edge. There are very few players from that U-20 team who are impact players especially in the attacking area (Nelson O is an exception).
Let's monitor these players and hope they come through to give us another 10 years of hope and joy in watching the NT.