Luís Freire’s Portugal U21 team were far too strong for Scotland in Estoril tonight, running out 3-0 victors to continue their near-perfect procession towards automatic qualification for the UEFA U21 Championship in 2027.
First-half goals from Roger Fernandes and the impressive Daniel Banjaqui put the Seleção in control.
It continued to be one-way traffic after the interval – Portugal enjoyed 66% possession, racked up 22 shots compared to Scotland’s three, and won the corner count 6-1 – and Gonçalo Moreira put the cherry on the cake with his second goal in consecutive matches.
Tom Kundert reports from the Estádio António Coimbra da Mota.
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Prior to tonight’s encounter Portugal had won five and drawn one of six qualification matches in Group B, scoring 25 goals and conceding zero. The young Seleção kept up their scintillating form with yet another shut-out, increasing their goal difference to +28.
The FPF had announced entry would be free for fans and the local population responded with just shy of 4,000 spectators filing into the stadium.
The hosts pinned back Scotland from the kick-off with the visitors rarely managing to get past the halfway line, but some disciplined defending made it hard for Portugal to create clear openings.
The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Tiago Gabriel threaded a vertical pass into the stride of Daniel Banjaqui, and the Benfica right-back’s cross was deflected into the path of Roger Fernandes who thumped the ball into the net.
Roger Fernandes abriu o marcador no Estoril e os Sub-21 vencem por 1-0! ❤️🔥🇵🇹#Canal11 #FutebolEmPortuguês pic.twitter.com/L3tdu4qu2u
— Canal 11 (@Canal_11Oficial) March 31, 2026
Portugal almost doubled their lead in the 41st minute when João Simões struck a fierce effort towards goal but Scotland goalkeeper Ruairidh Adams was up to the task with a fine save.
The Seleção did get their second goal before the break however, the lively Banjaqui picking his spot with a firm shot from outside the box that nestled into the corner of the net.
Portugal continued on top in the second half but unlike in the first 45 minutes Scotland did test the Portugal back line, with substitute Tyler Fletcher making a nuisance of himself.
A good run and cross by Fletcher necessitated a well-timed dive by Portugal goalkeeper João Carvalho to cut out his dangerous cross.
The home team were soon on the attack again, though, and Gonçalo Moreira made it three-nil with a well-worked goal in the 54th minute. Banjaqui sent Carlos Forbs racing away down the right flank, the winger showing great pace and awareness to catch the ball before it surpassed the goal-line, cut inside and lay the ball off to Moreira, who produced an excellent finish.
Portugal substitute Rodrigo Ribeiro twice came close to scoring, but his goal-bound efforts were blocked by last-ditch interceptions.
Fletcher was not done and excellent footwork saw him dance his way through the Portugal defence, with Carvalho’s alert save preventing the Seleção from conceding their first goal of the campaign.
Portugal remain top of Group B, five points clear of second-placed Czechia with three qualification games remaining.
Portugal coach Luís Freire:
“These players are young and are desperate to do good things for Portuguese football and this desire is transported onto the pitch. They have shown great quality and commitment. Our tactical approach is working because of this spirit.”
