In a historic achievement for Portuguese football, the Portuguese youth national team won the Under-17 World Cup for the first time in its history, after defeating its Austrian counterpart by a single goal in the exciting final match held at Khalifa International Stadium in the Qatari capital, Doha.
The precious winning goal came in the 32nd minute of the first half through the promising striker Anisio Cabral, who took advantage of a perfect cross from his teammate Duarte Cunha on the right flank, easily putting it into the net from close range, giving his team a lead that lasted until the final whistle.
Historical context and importance of the achievement
This title is the culmination of significant efforts in Portugal's youth sector and evokes memories of the "Golden Generation" that won the FIFA U-20 World Cup twice consecutively in 1989 and 1991. Portugal has long been known as a goldmine of footballing talent, and this victory reaffirms its continued ability to produce new generations capable of competing at the highest international levels. Winning the U-20 World Cup, which saw the emergence of global superstars like Ronaldinho, Cesc Fàbregas, and Toni Kroos, puts this young generation in the spotlight and promises a bright future for Portuguese football.
Match details and Austria's brilliance
Despite Portugal's lead, the match was far from easy. The Austrian team, whose presence in the final was the surprise of the tournament, displayed great ferocity and a strong desire to get back into the game. In the second half, Austria intensified their attacking pressure and posed a real threat to the Portuguese goal. Austria almost equalized in the 85th minute with a powerful shot from Daniel Frauscher from the edge of the penalty area, but luck was not on their side as the ball struck the right post and went out, squandering the most dangerous chance of the match and extinguishing Austrian hopes of a comeback.
Italy wins bronze
In the third-place match preceding the final, Italy secured the bronze medal after defeating Brazil 4-2 on penalties, following a goalless draw in regulation time. The match was marked by a dramatic moment when Brazil's Vitor Fernandes was sent off after just 14 minutes for receiving his second yellow card. Italian goalkeeper Alessandro Longoni was the hero in the penalty shootout, saving two penalties to secure his country's first-ever medal in the tournament.
