Portugal beat Albania 4-0 at the 2025 European U17 Championship | OneFootball

Portugal got off to a winning start at the 2025 UEFA European U17 Championship after beating Albania 4-0 in Tirana.

The Equipa das Quinas were the superior side at Kombëtare Arena, taking the lead in the 36th minute when Mateus Mide’s cross was headed home by Rafael Quintas.

The impressive João Aragão was brought down in the 60th minute and Mide make no mistake from the penalty spot. Portugal made it 3-0 in the 82nd minute, Tomás Soares finding Anísio Cabral who converted from close range.

Fabjano Nuhaj looked certain to score late on but was denied by a goal line clearance from Ricardo Neto, Soares scoring in added time to wrap up a comfortable victory for Bino Maçães’ side.

One way traffic

Portugal controlled proceedings from the get go in Tirana, Gil Neves heading wide and narrowly missing the target before João Aragão’s effort was deflected past the post.

Neves then sent Mateus Mide clear, the winger getting the ball past Raffaele Huli but not generating enough power to put the ball into the net. Anísio Cabral fired wide and Neves shot into the side netting as the chances kept coming.

Albania finally got into an attacking position in the 30th minute when Mauro Furtado fouled Gabriel Kulla, Dijar Ferati’s free kick and corner not troubling the Portuguese defence.

The Equipa das Quinas got back on the front foot, Yoan Pereira missing the target with his right foot and Mide’s effort deflected wide by an increasingly busy Albanian defence.

Quintas heads home

Portugal took the lead from the resulting corner in the 36th minute. The ball was played short to Mide, the winger delivering a cross into the box where Rafael Quintas headed past Huli.

Anísio Cabral tested Huli again before half-time and there was no respite for the hosts after the break. Neves and Cabral both had two opportunities as Portugal’s combination play was repeatedly making inroads through Albania’s defence.

Bino Maçães made a triple substitution in the 60th minute when Gabriel Dbouk, Martim Guedes and Neves were replaced by Daniel Banjaqui, Bernardo Lima and Tomás Soares.

Mide and Cabral extend the lead

Portugal doubled their advantage in the 68th minute after Fabjano Nuhaj brought down Aragão in the box. Referee Patrik Kolarić pointed straight to the penalty spot where Mide sent Huli the wrong way.

Mide was immediately replaced by Steven Manuel before Albania created two quick fire opportunities, Alen Vukaj firing wide and Gabriel Kulla seeing his shot sail onto the roof of the net.

It was a brief respite as Portugal made it 3-0 in the 82nd minute. Aragão sent Soares clear, his cross picking out an unmarked Cabral who executed a simple finish into an empty net.

Soares scores in added time

Daniel Banjaqui and Yoan Pereira picked up needless bookings and Quintas made way for Santiago Verdi.

Albania looked certain to score a late consolation when the ball fell kindly for Nuhaj, his powerful shot getting past Romário Cunha but not Ricardo Neto, the centre-back making an impressive clearance off the line.

Portugal put the icing on the cake in added time when Albania’s defence checked out early, giving Soares plenty of time and space to measure a low drive into the bottom corner.

Bino Maçães and his side now turn their attention to France, the game to be played at Arena Kombëtare on Thursday.

Quotes

João Aragão: “We knew what we had to do on the pitch. It's also important to mention that there was an incredible atmosphere in the stadium. They also came out strong, but we were expecting that. Then our quality was superior and we ended up winning easily.

“The team was united from start to finish. We really enjoyed playing in front of a full stadium. Now we're going to think about the next game. Our focus is on France. We're going to prepare like we did this one. The team is united and knows what it has to do.”

Mateus Mide: “We didn't give in to pressure. The important thing is to be confident in what we have to do at each moment. We had a very good start. We never underestimated the opponent; we always respected them.

“It was incredible to play in this environment. I had never played in a stadium with so many people watching me. I had never played with so many people pressuring me before taking a penalty. It was incredible! Our families were also present and they were very important for our performance in this game.”

Bino Maçães: “I'm very happy. Firstly, because we won 4-0 and we did what we did during the game. This despite having some difficulties at the beginning.

“I thought the kids were a little anxious. We had already talked about the anxiety of this first game, because it was at the opponent's home. They are not used to having so many fans, with so many supporters cheering for the opposing team.

“We were a bit hasty in our decisions, in the last shot. But as the game went on, we improved, settled down and started to pass the ball around better. In the second half, we were closer to our level and we managed to increase the result. It was a good debut! Congratulations to our players!”

By Matthew Marshall at Kombëtare Arena

Highlights