Portugal start the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup with a 6-1 win against New Caledonia | OneFootball

Portugal began the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar with a 6-1 victory against New Caledonia.

Anísio Cabral headed Martim Costa “Zeega” Guedes’ cross into the net in the 7th minute, but the goal was ruled out due to an infringement in the opposite box. Ricardo Neto was ruled to have pulled down Ezekiel Wamowe, the striker stepping up and sending Alaxandre Tverdohlebov the wrong way from the penalty spot.

Portugal continued to send crosses into the box where Cabral missed two opportunities, the tactics paying off in the 22nd minute when the striker headed Mauro Furtado's cross past Nicolas Kutran.

Steven Manuel looked certain to score before his effort was deflected wide by Steevy Andrew and Santiago Verdi rattled the bar in the 29th minute. The one-way traffic continued but New Caledonia's deep lying defence continued to stand firm.

Bino Maçães made two changes at the break when he brought on João Aragão and Mateus Mide for Zeega and Duarte Cunha.

It took just two minutes for Portugal to take the lead, Gabriel Dbouk's cross allowed to roll straight to Cabral who steered the ball into the net. Miguel Figueiredo hit the bar but the floodgates were soon about to open.

The third goal came in the 52nd minute, Steven Manuel a playing 1-2 with Mide before squeezing the ball past Kutran. Yoan Pereira and Steven Manuel then made way for José Neto and Bernardo Lima.

Mide made it 4-1 in the 59th minute when he fired through traffic and the forward headed Lima's cross against the bar three minutes later. Daniel Banjaqui replaced Cabral before a flurry of chances that included Aragão hitting the post.

Furtado scored from close range in the 85th minute and saw his free kick tipped off the bar by Kutran. Neto scored deep into added time to complete the rout, Maçães’ side ending the contest with 49-4 shots including five that hit the woodwork.

Bino Maçães was pleased with the victory but is well aware that the level of opposition is only going to increase: "I'm satisfied because the players played seriously. It's true that we weren't very effective and had opportunities to extend the lead at half-time."

"But everything is a learning experience. In terms of respect for the opponent and for ourselves, they did what was asked of them, but unfortunately, we weren't as effective as we wanted. On the other hand, we practically didn't give any opportunities to New Caledonia. The victory is important for what's to come."

"This level of play won't be easy to replicate in other matches. Against Morocco and Japan, we won't have as many opportunities as we did today, we're aware of that. We have two opponents from different continents. For Morocco, it will be a decisive game because if they lose against us, they could jeopardize their qualification. We need to be consistent, balanced, create opportunities and score goals, which is fundamental. But it will be a very difficult game."

Portugal's next match in Group B comes on Thursday against Morocco who suffered a 2-0 defeat to Japan in their opening match.

Portugal 6-1 New Caledonia Highlights

Line Up

Portugal (4-3-3): Alexandre Tverdohlebov; Gabriel Dbouk, Ricardo Neto, Mauro Furtado, Yoan Pereira (José Neto 58’); Zeega (Matthew Mide 46’), Santiago Verdi, Miguel Figueiredo; Duarte Cunha (João Aragão 46’), Anísio Cabral (Daniel Banjaqui 65’), Stevan Manuel (Bernardo Lima 58’)

Unused substitutes: Romário Cunha, David Rodrigues, Martin Chelmik, Rafael Quintas, Tomás Soares