Portugal’s qualification campaign for the 2027 European U21 Championship came to a close with a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic at Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria.
Carlos Forbs forced a save from Adam Dvorák but the Equipa das Quinas were finding it difficult to get through a low block.
The breakthrough came in the 28th minute after a fine solo goal from Daniel Banjaqui. The right-back did well to get past two opponents and surge into the box where his left footed shot deflected over Dvorák and into the net.
SENSACIONAL 𝘽𝘼𝙉𝙅𝘼𝙌𝙐𝙄 🚄 𝙎𝙀𝙉𝙎𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉𝘼𝙇 🚄 #U21EURO https://t.co/YSse3KtA2U
— Canal 11 (@Canal_11Oficial) October 6, 2026
Portugal continued to enjoy the bulk of possession, the visitors fashioning their first chance in the 38th minute when Diogo Ferreira turned Tom Slončík’s shot away from goal.
Czechia should have equalised on the stroke of half-time when Filip Lissah raced down the right wing, his cross picking out Tobias Boledovič who missed from point blank range.
Luís Freire’s side extended their lead in the 55th minute. Tiago Gabriel headed Rodrigo Mora’s free kick back into the danger area where Afonso Moreira reacted fastest and found the bottom corner.
De primeira, Afonso Moreira faz o segundo para Portugal 🇵🇹 #U21EURO https://t.co/rQlWdRKCnS
— Canal 11 (@Canal_11Oficial) October 6, 2026
There was little action after that with Portugal having already finished top of Group B and the Czech Republic secure in second spot to earn a place in the play-offs.
Portugal have a great chance in 2027
Portugal have never won the European U21 Championship but have a fantastic opportunity next year when they will surely be one of the favourites. They have previously lost three finals, in 1994 and twice under Rui Jorge, in 2015 and 2021.
Luís Freire's side won eight of their 10 matches, scoring 35 goals with only two conceded. They both came in a recent 2-1 defeat in Bulgaria where they led 1-0 in the 87t minute.
Freire has a ridiculous amount of talent at his disposal with four goalkeepers being used in the qualifiers, João Carvalho getting seven starts with one each for André Gomes, Diogo Ferreira and João Afonso.
Lecce’s Tiago Gabriel holds the defence together with Gonçalo Oliveira and Gabriel Brás his potential partners. Full-backs include Martim Fernandes, Daniel Banjaqui, Diogo Travassos and Tiago Parente.
Central midfield is stacked with Mateus Fernandes first choice ahead of João Simões, Dário Essugo, Mathias de Amorim and Diego Rodrigues. Rodrigo Mora is the chief playmaker with Gustavo Sá and Gonçalo Moreira the other options.
It’s a similar story out wide where Geovany Quenda, Afonso Moreira, Roger Fernandes and Carlos Forbs are likely to be called up. Mezian Mesloub was recently called up in an attempt to fend off France and Algeria who he is eligible to represent.
Gustavo Varela has been playing up front with Youssef Chermiti out with a cruciate ligament injury. Rodrigo Ribeiro, Rafael Nel and Vivaldo Semedo are other options.
The long wait begins for Freire to announce his squad for the tournament that will be played in Albania and Serbia from 17 June to 4 July.
