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| Thursday, 19 November 2009 15:25 |
U-17 World Cup winner in Portugal’s sights?Switzerland crowned world champions Portugal may not have qualified to take part in the recent Fifa U-17 World Cup in Nigeria, but a potential Seleccao star of the future lifted the trophy after winning the thirteenth edition of the prestigious tournament.
Switzerland beat hosts and three-time winners Nigeria in front of 60,000 at the national stadium in Abuja on Sunday, earning the title of world champions at under-seventeen level for the first time. They did so having won all seven of their matches, beating the likes of Brazil, Germany and Italy along the way. The Swiss right-back throughout the tournament was Andre Caetano Goncalves, a 17-year-old born in Switzerland to Portuguese parents. Goncalves, who has been likened in style to Jose Bosingwa, scored a crucial goal in extra time during his team’s 4-3 win over Germany in the quarter-final stage of the competition. Switzerland may well be facing another challenge in the coming years to convince the talented defender to continue his career with the country of his birth. Should Goncalves continue to develop at a rapid rate with his club, FC Zurich, he will no doubt be under the watchful eye of the Portuguese selectors ahead of making the step up to under-21 level, at which point he is eligible to change allegiances. “I often go to Tomar to spend my summer holidays and also for Christmas,” Goncalves told Maisfutebol when asked about his Portuguese roots. “I have my parents’ family there and really like to visit. If there was interest from both sides (Switzerland and Portugal) I would have to think about it. “Who would I support if the two teams meet at the World Cup? If that happens, I hope Portugal win, as there’s more chance of them winning the tournament. I was pleased (that Portugal qualified for the World Cup). They played well against Bosnia.” Goncalves went on to reveal that he is a Sporting fan and has ambitions to play in Portugal, while revealing his admiration for Seleccao stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco and Pepe. Describing himself as “fast and very attacking” from his right-back position, the youngster is delighted with his team’s recent triumph. “Winning the World Cup is extraordinary, even more because Switzerland surprised everyone. There is a good set-up here, not just with the national system but with the clubs, where there has been a focus recently on young players.” By Sean Gillen Keep up to date with all the latest news on Portuguese football with the new PortuGOAL Twitter
Comments (5)
Come to Portugal
5
Monday, 23 November 2009 15:24
Singapore
Come to Portugal!!
goncalves
4
Friday, 20 November 2009 00:27
rolando, uk
just hope the portuguese selectors are as awake as the media with this guy. keep watching him and be ready when he plays for u-21 to make sure its portugal he choose.
Come to Portugal!
3
Thursday, 19 November 2009 22:56
Fresh/Hamilton, Canada
He has a Portuguese name why not repersent Portugal. In Switzerland they speak many languages like French,German and Italian too much confusion to me. Portugal always has attractive football so I would love to see great players repersent us!
Come Play for Portugal -- Wish You Were a Striker
2
Thursday, 19 November 2009 22:10
Tony, CA
The lad has potential and we can use him on the PNT. I hope he decides that his destiny is Portugal. We'll need a right back in few years to replace Boswinga but I wish he would be a striker! We'll take what we can get but we're still looking for the STRIKER WHO WILL SAVE PTN.
Wise choice?
1
Thursday, 19 November 2009 20:53
OrlandoM
Come play for Portugal, you will find it a lot more rewarding than you think.
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